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Friday, August 31, 2012

Walking in downtown Winnipeg

Yesterday I saw the strangest sight. I saw a dancer  - looks like Cabaret or burlesque kind of dancing across from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She was a pretty young woman but it was a strange sight as I had never seen that sort of busking before. There was a young man playing the trumpet and she was dancing to the music under the blistering sun.
Why not, musicians can busk other artists should be allowed to do so as well. However, I must say it made me think about whether the woman was doing it by choice or someone was forcing her to dance to make money for them.  I had just finished reading an article on human trafficking and so when I saw this my mind went there. I hope it's my active imagination and nothing else.

Summer time in Winnipeg is the best, I say this all the time. After I passed that dancer I swung unto to Portage and there were two other buskers, one playing the flute and another a mandolin. It is so nice and I appreciate Downtown biz so much for the effort they make to keep our city swinging.

However, I must say that the City of Winnipeg is not cooperating. They want people to come downtown and they are making it more difficult for drivers to do so because of parking situation. Now I understand free parking will start at 8:30 p.m. and there will be no free parking until 9:00 a.m. On top of this, the bus fares are going up again. I think many people might just want to do their shopping and entertainment in their own neck of the woods. 

Maybe the City could compromise developing more park and ride spaces in the City to encourage people to park their cars and hop on the bus for free or minimal charge.
The downtown can only become a safe place for people when more people are walking the streets. More small businesses need to be encouraged to set up in the down town, more coffee shops, specialized boutiques and specialty restaurants, shops and grocery places - places that would encourage us to walk outside even the winter months because we could weave in and out of buildings - that's what make cities tick and interesting.

Now let's me tell you about today - it was fabulous spending my lunch hour listening to steel band and Caribbean music on Edmonton at Portage by the Hi Lite Steel Orchestra and  Paradise Band. This is in celebration of Trinidad's 50th anniversary of Independence. There was dancing in the street, roti-and-curry for sale, flag-waving etc.  They had the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall earlier in the day. It was hard to return to work after all that elation.
Thanks Winnipeg, you're simply the best.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Arts & Culture Days - Upcoming Event

Arts & Culture Day at the Leg: November 1st, 2012
Presented by MACA

The Manitoba Arts and Cultural Alliance (MACA) is coordinating the inaugural Arts & Culture Day at the Leg on Thursday, November 1, 2012, and we need you to play a role and make an impact.

Working Together
MACA is looking for artists, board members of cultural organizations, arts managers, supporters, patrons, and arts educators of all ages to demonstrate strong provincial support for arts, culture and heritage. We would like to have spokespeople from all of Manitoba’s ridings who reflect diversity in artistic practice and cultural enterprise.

MACA wants to speak with our local MLAs and Ministers about the role the provincial government can continue to play in helping the creative sector flourish through stable and sustained investment and an enlightened policy environment. Arts and culture need to be a priority in Manitoba in order to maintain and grow a strong and vibrant community and to continue to be one of the best places in the country to live, work and grow.

Your Commitment
All volunteers will be required to attend a delegates’ orientation on October 30, 2012. On November 1, MACA will be coordinating meetings with MLAs from 9am – 4pm at the Legislative Building on 450 Broadway. Volunteers will be grouped into teams of three according to their background and experience to ensure there is varied representation on each team.

The key to our success will be to strategically match each team to meet with the appropriate politicians. Each team will have a meeting leader, a note taker and a representative from the MLA’s riding. MACA will provide each volunteer with a script to guide them through the meetings and materials (e.g. sample intro, how to tell your story and questions to ask). Post-meeting, each team will be provided with a report form to complete and return to MACA. The feedback provided will be crucial to help us develop our follow-up strategy moving forward.

If you are unsure about participating in the meetings or have scheduling conflicts, please contact us for information regarding other Arts & Culture Day at the Leg volunteer opportunities.

Who
We are looking for volunteers who:
  • can speak convincingly, or
  • have previous experience lobbying, or
  • are artists (visual art, film, dance, music etc.), or
  • work for an arts or cultural organization, or
  • have good relationships with (an) MLA(s) and/or Minister, or
  • have a personal stories to share of how arts and culture have impacted their lives , and
  • are MACA members – only $20 for an individual membership at  
If you are interested in volunteering at Arts & Culture Day at the Leg please contact us by Friday, September 7 

Manitoba Arts and Cultural Alliance
501-62 Albert Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1E9
Phone 204-927-ARTS(2787)  Toll Free 1-866-802-1104
Fax 204-927-2789

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Downtown Buzz

I love the new Manitoba Hydro building. I feel like I am in some great cosmopolitan centre like London, New York, Paris or Toronto. The waterfalls with the lights at the bottom is a nice touch as well as all the fancy restaurants around the place. You can enjoy a nice sit down meal, a quick take out or a deli break - all with nutritious meals.
However, I was at Marcello's today because I forgot my lunch at home. I thought I would buy a little rice to go with the salad I had at work. I put two scoops or rice, one plain white rice and one like a pilaf 3 pieces of beets and about 3 pieces of pickled mushrooms and when that rang up it came to close to $7.00 about  $6.70 something to be exact. I am a vegan. I thought that was a rip off. I could have gone to Line Up at City Place and buy a decent nutritious belly-full meal cooked before my eyes for about the same price.

I like Marcello's because it has variety but that weigh and pay you've got to watch. It is a rip off. You serve yourself, do everything for yourself and get no benefit. I was appalled and amused at the same time. I eventually got the meal for $5 but I felt that was too much as well.

WARNING
If you are a vegetarian, that is not the place to eat. Rice or carbs is too expensive. If you are a regular eater you may come out ahead by buying more protein that vegetables.  Vegetarians and vegans can do a lot better for a decent meal at the East African Restaurant on Portage Avenue close to Carlton.
That's my beef.

Downtown Biz
Thanks Winnipeg Downtown for the music you bring for our enjoyment. It is so refreshing to go outside and hear a blast of live music. This definitely put a hop in my feet and puts me in a nice frame of mind when I return to work.  The music today was great. If you have not been able to catch any of these fabulous musicians check back next Wednesday. I think there'll be Caribbean Music on Friday this week, so don't miss that.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

 Bias Against Abused Mothers in Child Custody Cases - BC LEAF report

Bias Against Abused Mothers in Child Custody Cases: Report
New study finds systemic problems in parental capacity assessments discriminate against women.
By Katie Hyslop, 24 July 2012, TheTyee.ca

View full article and comments: http://thetyee.ca/News/2012/07/24/Child-Custody-Report/

When a woman flees an abusive relationship, we expect the justice system will protect her and her children.
But a new report finds in some British Columbian child custody cases allegations of spousal abuse are used to paint the mother as mentally ill or an "alienating" parent, and instead recommend visitation, or even custody, for the abusive parent.
"Troubling Assessments: Custody and Access Reports and their Equality Implications for BC Women" - http://www.westcoastleaf.org/userfiles/file/Troubling%20Assessments%20e-report%202012.pdf - is a new report released today by West Coast LEAF, a women's legal education and advocacy organization. The report looks at what are known under the Family Relations Act as Section 15 reports: parental capacity assessments conducted during child custody and access cases.
Often a useful tool for getting a third-party, outsider's view of parenting abilities, the report found they could also be biased against and dangerous for vulnerable women with abusive ex-partners.
While there are specific guidelines to follow for family counsellors and social workers regarding family violence and the use of these reports, psychologists in B.C. have no such criteria. In addition, judges often take assessors' advice at face value, and limited access to legal aid in B.C. prevents many women from challenging assessments they view as biased.
"West Coast LEAF believes that women's equality is not served by the regime governing custody and access reports as it currently stands," reads the report. (...)

Douglas Sanderson Inquest

August 27, 2012

STANDING HEARING SET FOR INQUEST INTO DEATH OF DOUGLAS LEON SANDERSON


A date has been set for a hearing to determine who can participate at an upcoming inquest into the death of 67-year-old Douglas Leon Sanderson.
On Nov. 27, 2009, members of the Downtown Watch were called to the Vendome Hotel by the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service (WFPS) to assist with transporting Sanderson to the Main Street Project.  Sanderson showed no sign of injury but appeared intoxicated and was medically cleared to be taken to the Main Street Project (MSP) under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act.  Several hours later, when MSP staff woke him to be discharged, he apparently fell and hit his head on a fire extinguisher.  He was kept at MSP but when staff tried to wake him again he did not respond appropriately.  He was taken to the Health Sciences Centre at 6:51 a.m., Nov. 28.  A CT scan showed a severe right-sided subdural hematoma and he underwent a craniotomy.  It was noted that his brain was remarkably swollen and he died Nov. 30.
The immediate cause of death was severe blunt force trauma but the manner of death was undetermined.  An investigation determined that Sanderson had been very intoxicated and was seen many times in the Vendome Hotel Nov. 27 including once lying beside a pool table where he had apparently fallen.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act,inquests are mandatory for most deaths in custody including this one.  Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the limited purpose of finding out what if anything could be done to help prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.  In particular, the chief medical examiner has suggested the inquest explore the appropriateness of the method of assessment used by WFPS to medically clear Sanderson for transport to MSP, and the monitoring and periodic assessments of him at MSP.
At the upcoming hearing, the inquest judge will determine who can question and call witnesses by having standing at the inquest.  Those who want to seek standing should attend this hearing set for:
1 p.m., Sept. 6
Courtroom 405, Law Courts complex
408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
Dates for the actual inquest will be set following this hearing.
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Those interested in applying for standing should contact Mitchell Lavitt, Crown attorney, 204-945-3417.



Lantern balls - crafty idea

I am not much of a crafts person but this looks very neat.  I am sure many of my crafty friends would appreciate and actually do this.

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/blog/post/40496--how-to-make-fish-scale-paper-lantern-balls

Monday, August 27, 2012

Winnipeg from the Air


Enjoy some beautiful aerial views of our great city of Winnipeg. Who wouldn't want to live here?

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/multimedia/pov/Winnipeg-from-the-air-161885065.html

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Upcoming Event - Job fair

Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC) will be holding a Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Job Fair at the               Winnipeg Convention Centre on August 30, 2012 from 10 am to 12 noon. 

These organizations will be participating in the event:
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel
The Fairmont Winnipeg
RONA
Delta Winnipeg
Canad Inns
Wal-Mart Canada Corp.
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
Starbucks Coffee
Seed Winnipeg Inc.
Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD)



Please forward this information to your clients.

As well, some employers will be posting open positions on our job board prior to the event, so that job-seekers can research open positions prior to attending.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Luanne Christensen 
Training Services Coordinator
Manitoba Tourism Education Council
100 - 1534 Gamble Place
Winnipeg, MB     R3T 1N6
(204) 957-7437 Ext. 207

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Upcoming Event - Saturday October 20 - Free Dental Services



Hello private sponsors and service providers

Please forward this information through your networks

The Manitoba Dental Association has kindly responded to cutbacks in Interim Federal Health coverage by offering to provide free dental services for up to 290 privately sponsored refugees and refugee claimants who have arrived in Canada on October 21, 2011 or later.  Manitoba Dental Association volunteers will offer this one day free dental service at an event named Open Wide on Saturday, October 20th.  The service may include extractions, basic restorative, simple denture repair, endo openings (fixing diseased root canals), and cleanings. 

Advance registration is required.

Registration can be made through a settlement counsellor at Welcome Place.  Applicants may call 977-1000 to speak to a settlement counsellor and register by phone or in person.  Applicants who do not already have a settlement file at Welcome Place will have to register as a settlement service client in order to register for the free dental service

Carlos Vialard
Settlement Services Co-Manager
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc.
Welcome Place, 521 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 0E4

Direct: Line: 285-3378
Ph: 977-1000 Ext. 226
Fax: 956-7548

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Upcoming Event - Get Better Together -

Hello everyone

I thought I would pass on the fall Get Better Together! dates. I’ve also attached a brochure with more information on the program.

Thank you!

Get Better Together is a Free, research based self management program that was developed by Stanford University to help participants better manage their health regardless of their condition. The program runs 2.5 hours a week for 6 weeks and is available throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba.

For those unable to attend the program in person we also offer GBT! online. For more information please contact the Wellness Institute at 632-3927.

Tues, Sept 6 – Oct 11, 1:00-3:30 – Willow Centre, 110-61 Tyndall St

Tues, Sept 25 – Oct 30, 9:30-12:00 – Good Neighbors, 720 Henderson Hwy

Thurs, Sept 27 – Nov 1, 1:30-4:00 – Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, 825 Sherbrook St

Tues, Oct 2 – Nov 6, 1:00-3:30 – Wellness Institute, 1075 Leila Ave

Wed, Oct 3 – Nov 7, 1:00-3:30 – 1060 Pembina Hwy

Wed, Oct 10 – Nov 14, 5:45-8:15 – Access Transcona, 845 Regent Ave

Mon, Oct 15 – Nov 26, 6:00-8:30 (no class Nov 12) - Youville St Vital, 6-845 Dakota St

Mon, Oct 15 – Nov 26, 1:00-3:30 (no class Nov 12) - Westwood Library, 66 Allard Ave

Tues, Oct 16 – Nov 20, 6:00-8:30 – Reh-Fit, 1390 Taylor Ave

Thurs, Oct 18 – Nov 22, 1:00-3:30 – Brooklands Senior Centre, 1960 William Ave


Dawn Ziemanski
Get Better Together! Winnipeg Coordinator
Wellness Institute
Phone 204-632-3922
Fax 204-697-2412

"It is never too late to be who you might have been."
-George Elliot
 





Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Or, are you managing well and want to stay that way?
Here's  your chance to......
Get Better Together!
a FREE six-week program for living better with chronic disease. Call Today! 204-632-3927
 

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

May the best man win the Top Cop Job

I think the Winnipeg Free Press does a disservice to visible minority people when it chooses the vague statement it knew would bound to generate controversy in the community.
I wonder in which corners people are saying that because Supt. Clunis is a visible minority he is more likely to get the job. The people in those corners should just stay there.  Those kind of talk does not bode well for community cohesion. I think the free press is being irresponsible to put a quote with no name or face to it.
It is something that will stick in people's mind and if Supt. Clunis gets the job that would be there over his head - people thinking he only got the job because he is a visible minority.
I know Supt. Clunis very well and I have the highest regard for him as a police officer and as a human being. He cares about his job and about people and about youth.  He is a policeman policeman, I do not think he was made for anything but being a police officer and it shows when he speaks and offers comfort to people.
I think if Supt. Clunis turns out to be the better man, he would bring a different sensibility to the Force - a gentleness but strength, force with compassion and understanding and solution within a team environment.
Unfortunately, I do not know Supt. Thorne but from what I read of him, he has done quite a bit for the city and has worked in some of the toughest situations. I am sure we would be in great hands who ever gets the coveted job. Good luck to you both.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/top-cop-short-list-down-to-two-officers-165392046.html

Friday, August 03, 2012

Upcoming event - Fort-Whyte By-election


August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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Upcoming by-election - FortWhite


August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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August 3, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FORT WHYTE BYELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 4


Premier Greg Selinger today announced that a byelection will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4 in the provincial constituency of Fort Whyte.
The Fort Whyte constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of former leader of the official opposition Hugh McFadyen.
The necessary documents providing for the Sept. 4 byelection were signed and issued today.
Nominations in the constituency will officially close on Aug. 20 and advance polls in both will be open from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1.  On voting day, polls will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are currently 37 New Democrats, 18 Progressive Conservatives, one Liberal and one vacant seat in the Manitoba legislature.
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Thursday, August 02, 2012

Up

Friendly Chinese Dance Association of Winnipeg
中秋節餐舞會
Please come and join us for the Moon Festival
Dinner and Dance
Date:  Saturday, Sept 22, 2012
Place:  溫城中華文化中心
Winnipeg Chinese Cultural Centre,
2nd floor - 180 King St.,
Time:  6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Your supports is gladly appreciated
Please contact: Jim Yau at 227-8333
Ticket Price:  dinner and dance $10.00 (non member), $6.00 (member),
dance only  (after 7:15PM) $5.00

Check out your horoscope

Emancipation Day

http://www.kuramamagazine.com/special/celebrate-emancipation-day

Reminding us of an unfortunate time in human history and that this should not happen again. As I write there are women, men and children in one of form of slavery or the other and we should be the voice for freedom for those who cannot speak.

http://www.awakeningtoabundance.com/Solo/call-MikeAguilera309.php

Enjoy this talk
http://www.awakeningtoabundance.com/Solo/call-MikeAguilera309.php

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Walking about tid bit

Yesterday I was in one of the down town banks and a guy who stood behind me said, there are nice people in the world.  I asked him what happened to him and he said he said that he got on the bus and told the bus driver he did not have any money. The bus driver allowed him to remain on the bus and he said as he was leaving the bus driver asked him if he wanted a transfer. This act of kindness touched the man and touched me too.

Delta is one of our better hotels in the city and in front of the Delta used to be nice and clean. There were people in front the door smoking and spitting about and there was no guard or staff in front at there used to be ensuring that the standards in front of the hotel are maintained. I think since the airlines stop using the Delta, the management might be discouraged and let it all go. I think it is important for Winnipeg for Delta to uphold high standards and ensure that the entrance of the hotel is impeccable and clean. That would be a welcoming sight. Smokers should not be allowed to smoke in front of the Delta. Period.

Get Permission before you Burn

July 31, 2012

PROVINCE REMINDS PRODUCERS THAT AUTHORIZATION IS REQUIRED TO BURN CROP RESIDUE


Weather conditions through this spring and early summer have resulted in many crops maturing quickly and allowing for early harvest.
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) encourages producers to consider alternative uses for crop residue.  Through the Growing Forward program, incentives have been established to encourage farmers to move away from the practice of stubble burning.
Many producers use alternative methods of dealing with crop residue such as chopping and spreading the straw or listing straw they have for sale on the Manitoba Hay Listing Service.  More information on these and other alternative methods of dealing with crop residue is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/soilwater/soil/fbd09s07.html.
Producers who choose to burn crop residue are reminded that authorization is required to burn crop residue between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15.  Authorizations are issued daily by 11 a.m. based on weather, moisture and favourable smoke dispersion conditions.  Night burning is banned year-round.
Burning permits may be required for non-authorized rural municipalities.  Permit application forms and information are available by calling the toll-free information line at 1-800-265-1233.  Service is available in French and English.  Information is also available from MAFRI GO offices and on the Internet at under Manitoba Crop Residue Burning Program at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/soilwater/soil/fbd09s00.html.
Manitoba’s controlled burning program is part of the Burning of Crop Residue and Non-crop Herbage Regulation.  The program was introduced to protect public health and safety while allowing farmers to deal with difficult straw management problems.
Producers are encouraged to contact their local agricultural office for information and advice on crop residue burning.
Stubble burning regulations are enforced by environment officers and the RCMP.  Failure to follow the regulations could result in fines of up to $50,000.
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