Music to lift your soul

Check out music with a difference - deep relaxation - suited for the end of a busy or stressful day.


http://www.mindpowermp3.com/static_page.php?pageid=327

Great Idea

Join the Coworking Movement: Solid Winnipeg Value and Creative Colleagues

245 McDermot provides independent creative entrepreneurs and organizations with contemporary, affordable, shared workspace. Run by ACI Manitoba, 245 McDermot focuses on individuals and businesses that value creativity and collaboration. Members join a multidisciplinary community with tenants in various fields, all in a professional and creative cowork space. Here you can make connections, share ideas, encourage peers, be inspired, and work hard to move your creative venture forward.
It’s already proving to be a perfect space for freelance editors and web content managers, small non-profit groups who need a part time office, professionals with a consulting practice, theater companies who need affordable rehearsal space, and others. Attached is a PDF that includes photos of the office and other facilities.
You can become part of the 245 McDermot cowork community starting at only $150 per month. Included in your hot desk rental are: shared reception service, WiFi, boardroom access, kitchen, cleaning, and coffee. Additional options include printer, photocopier, and fax service, rental of a permanent desk, a post box, private offices, and a classroom.
Come join us in the new heart of Manitoba’s creative sector and find out what coworking can do for you!
For more information, including a complete rate card: http://www.creativemanitoba.ca/245-mcdermot
And check out our 245 blog, with updates every week: http://www.245mcdermot.ca

For an appointment to see the space, contact Cali Ramsey, Facility Animator and Consultant
Phone: 204.927.2787 or Email: cali@creativemanitoba.ca

Facility Rental Information

Boardroom

·        400 square feet

·        Seats 14

·        Ethernet and WiFi connectivity to the Internet

·        Telephone

·        Refreshment bar

·        12 foot ceiling, rich natural light

·        Projector and screen

Classroom

·        1,600 square feet

·        Projector and screen

·        Seats up to 60 with chairs and 10 interlocking tables

·        Kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, and sink

·        14 foot ceiling, rich natural light from two sides, blackout curtains

·        Ethernet and WiFi connectivity to the Internet, webinar-capable

·        Suitable for meetings, training sessions, conferences, rehearsals and small performances

Sacred Circle

·        1,000 square feet

·        Capacity for 40 in two rows of built-in seating

·        Tyndall stone inner circle

245 McDermot
300-245 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0S6

Puzzle

How many faces do you see in this picture?

Nifty-Idea

Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie

An Astronaut's wife tells all

http://www.chatelaine.com/living/real-life-stories/helene-hadfield-on-what-its-like-being-married-to-astronaut-chris-hadfield/?DFIX
Chris Hadfield is the Astronaut we all love and very little was said of the woman behind the man. There is one. Her name is Helene Hadfield and she and Chris were childhood sweethearts. She speaks to Chatelaine about what it is like being the wife of an astronaut and an attractive one at that. Very interesting.

Manitoba Donates to Philippine Earthquake disaster

October 16, 2013

MANITOBA TO CONTRIBUTE $100,000 FOR PHILIPPINE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

The Manitoba government has pledged $100,000 in support of relief efforts currently underway in the Philippines resulting from yesterday’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Premier Greg Selinger has announced.
“With a death toll well over 100, dozens missing, hundreds more injured and nearly three million people directly impacted by this horrific event, our thoughts and prayers are with all the families so suddenly and tragically affected,” said Selinger.  “We offer this support on behalf of the province of Manitoba at this time of tragedy and great need.”
The assistance will administered by the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation (MCIC).  MCIC is an independent coalition of development organizations that will identify on-the-ground needs and act to ensure assistance is distributed fairly and where it can provide the most benefit.

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(R to L) City Councillor Thomas Steen, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux, Elmwood-Transcona MP Laurence Toet, Bob Fabbri, board member, Bronx Park Community Centre and Olympic gold medalist Clara Hughes, joined together today for the official opening of the Clara Hughes Park on Henderson Highway

International Day of The Girl Event

October 11, 2013

YOUNG WOMEN ENCOURAGED TO BECOME POWERFUL VOICES OF CHANGE AT SECOND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL

The Manitoba government is celebratingInternational Day of the Girl with a special event at the Manitoba Legislature, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby said today. 
“Providing opportunities to girls and young women to make their voices heard is key to helping them build confidence and grow into future leaders,” said Selby, who attended today’s event on behalf of Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women.  “Girls face unique challenges every day and we want to offer them encouragement, empower them to make decisions and help them make a difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.”
A total of 20 girls, aged 13 to 17, were selected after being nominated by various community sources, friends and family.  They are be treated to an interesting, educational and entertaining day with the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and meet with members of the legislative assembly of Manitoba while focusing on global movements and ways to inspire change.
“It's a time to bring girls together to discuss issues of specific concern like health, education, safe relationships and future economic opportunities,” said Selby.  “By standing together, we can all contribute to helping girls realize their full potential.”
Oct. 11 was declared the International Day of the Girl Child by the United Nations last year. Canada led the call to raise awareness about the particular challenges girls facearound the world and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights, said Selby.
For more information on the International Day of the Girl, visit the Manitoba government website at www.gov.mb.ca/msw/.

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October 15, 2013

CONSUMER PROTECTION OFFICE ACTION LEADS TO REFUNDS FOR MANITOBA PAYDAY BORROWERS

– – –
Payday Lender in Violation of Manitoba's Payday Lending Law

As a result of inspections and the investigation of consumer complaints, the Consumer Protection Office has determined that Cash Store Financial Services Inc., operating as The Cash Store Inc. (Cash Store) and Instaloans Inc. (Instaloans), was in violation of Manitoba’s maximum legal cost of $17 per $100 on payday loans.
Consequently, the office issued a refund demand to the Cash Store and Instaloans to reimburse 61 identified borrowers for unlawful fees charged, required or accepted in relation to payday loans in Manitoba during the period of time that Cash Store and Instaloans held valid payday lender licences in the province.  The additional fees were charged in relation to cash cards associated with payday loans.
Residents of Manitoba who obtained a payday loan from Cash Store or Instaloans between Oct. 18, 2010, and Oct. 17, 2012, and were charged an additional fee for an electronic funds transfer or cash card may be eligible for a refund of the loan fee(s).  Individuals should contact the Consumer Protection Office by telephone at 204-945-3800 or 1-800-782-0067 (toll-free) in Manitoba or by email at consumers@gov.mb.ca.
Manitoba’s payday lending law states the maximum total credit cost of 17 per cent of the principal amount of the payday loan is to include any fees charged in relation to a cash card or other device issued or sold to a borrower to enable him or her to access money under a payday loan including the following fees:

•     an activation fee;
•     a reactivation fee;
•     an inactivity fee;
•     service fees charged to access money advanced for the first time following any advance of a payday loan; or
•     the first charge for a periodic fee such as a maintenance fee.

The law requires all businesses offering, arranging or providing payday loans to Manitobans be licensed by the Consumer Protection Office and comply with the Manitoba regulatory framework.
The Consumer Protection Office shares information with consumers to help them make informed choices and is committed to protecting consumers as well as holding payday lenders accountable to Manitoba’s payday lending laws.
The Manitoba government is currently taking additional steps to protect Manitoba families through new legislation that would give the Consumer Protection Office greater authority to take action against businesses that break the rules.  In addition, the department is currently reviewing high‑interest loan rules, including a review of what is happening in other provinces, to determine what additional measures could be taken to protect Manitoba consumers.

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Education Minister Nancy Allan Proclaims Bill That Protects Students From Bullying
October 10, 2013

NEW LAW PROCLAIMED TODAY FURTHER PROTECTS MANITOBA STUDENTS FROM ALL FORMS OF BULLYING: ALLAN

– – –
Province Proclaims Bill 18, the Safe and Inclusive Schools Act

Manitoba schools now have more tools to fight bullying and cyberbullying and are able to create safer, more inclusive schools, said Education Minister Nancy Allan as she announced Bill 18, the Safe and Inclusive Schools Act, was officially proclaimed into law today.  The minister made the announcement while talking with students at Kelvin High School’s gay-straight alliance.
“Every parent knows the impact that bullying can have on their children and their ability to learn.  In recent years, the face of bullying has changed so much with the spread of cellphones and social media, and parents expect action,” said Allan.  “That’s why I am proud that we have a new law in Manitoba that builds on our Safe Schools Charter to protect every child from bullying online and in the classroom.”
Under Bill 18, schools in Manitoba will be required to:

• report and act on cyberbullying incidents even if they take place outside of school or after-hours;
• expand policies related to the appropriate use of the Internet in schools to include social media, text messaging and instant messaging;
• accommodate students who want to establish and lead activities and organizations that fight all forms of bullying, and accommodate any student-led groups that want to use the name gay‑straight alliance or any other name consistent with the promotion of a positive school environment that is inclusive and accepting of all students; and
• establish respect for human diversity policies that are consistent with the principles of the Manitoba Human Rights Code and create a safe and inclusive learning environment that is accepting of all students.

To support schools with developing diversity policies, the province will hold seminars with school administrators this fall.  The province is also partnering with the Egale Canada Human Rights Trust to develop resource kits for teachers and schools to assist and support students who want to form gay‑straight alliances in their schools.  The province will also provide training for teachers and other staff about bullying prevention and strategies for promoting respect for human diversity and a positive learning environment, the minister said.

In addition, the province is requesting that Appropriate Use of the Internet and Human Diversity policies be in place in all school divisions and funded independent schools by June 30, 2014.
Some school divisions have already developed policies that relate to respect for human diversity and homophobic bullying including the Winnipeg, Louis Riel and Seven Oaks school divisions.
“While great work is already going on in many Manitoba schools and school divisions, the proclamation of Bill 18 and the requirements it puts in place will strengthen and expand that work throughout the province.  This sends a clear message that all have the right to teach and learn in schools that are as inclusive and supportive as we can make them,” said Paul Olson, president, Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
“Bill 18 is part of an anti-bullying strategy that we launched a year ago.  Despite opposition from some politicians, we’re taking the next step forward to protect every child by giving students, parents, educators and administrators more of the tools that they need to deal with bullying,” said Allan.
Manitoba’s anti-bullying action plan includes:

• expanding the Tell Them From Me online survey so that schools can hear directly from grade 4 to 12 students in 550 schools across Manitoba on how they can improve safety and prevent bullying;
• introducing a new provincial code of conduct with clear and appropriate disciplinary consequences for bullying incidents;
• providing new resources and supports to educate parents, teachers and students to help them identify, prevent and deal with bullying;
• continuing to support Safe Schools Manitoba, a unique partnership between the provincial government, schools, law enforcement, social service agencies, parent councils, professional associations and community agencies; and
• hosting the second annual Safe and Caring Schools Provincial Leadership Forum with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to bring together students, teachers, administrators and experts to share strategies on preventing and addressing cyberbullying.

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Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak visits with grades five and six students at Donwood School to officially launch the new Manitoba Rocks! website.

October 9, 2013

PROVINCE LAUNCHES NEW MANITOBA ROCKS! WEBSITE FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak visited with grade 5 and 6 students at Donwood School today to officially launch Manitoba Rocks!, a new website featuring a wide variety of geoscience information designed to help young Manitobans learn more about Manitoba’s minerals and petroleum industry.
“Manitoba Rocks! is a dynamic online learning tool for kids, teens and anyone interested in exploring or expanding their knowledge about Manitoba’s rich minerals history and potential,” said Chomiak.  “Visitors to this fun, interactive website will learn about Manitoba’s unique, diverse geological history and the role these resources play in our daily lives and our province’s future.”
The new website features:

• Kids Rock! – a children’s Fun Zone with memory and word games, puzzles, colouring and activity books, and geo-mysteries.  Younger students can learn about the rock cycle, examine a geological time chart, and explore facts and legends on topics ranging from nickels and arrowheads to chunks of gold, space rocks and fossils, as well as gain knowledge of the Aboriginal perspective about Mother Earth and Turtle Island.
• Teens Rock! – offers teenage students a more in-depth look at the history of mining and exploration in Manitoba.  Teens can take a video-guided geo-tour around the province, visit the Legends of Rock section to learn about some of the early explorers, geologists and prospectors whose spirit of adventure helped launch exciting discoveries around Manitoba and explore Opportunity Rocks, a web section devoted to information on mining-related careers.   

As part of the website launch, Manitoba students from grades four to 12 will also be invited to test their rock and mineral knowledge in the Dig It! Quiz, with a chance to win Manitoba Rocks! prizes.
Chomiak thanked the many mining and mineral organizations whose geosciences information links form an integral part of the Manitoba Rocks! website.  This includes Mining Matters, a national charitable organization dedicated to bringing knowledge and awareness about Canada’s geology and mineral resources to students, educators and the general public.  The minister also acknowledged Oak Hammock Marsh, the Childrens’ Museum and the Manitoba Museum for participating in the website launch, and the Canadian Geoscience Education Network for promoting Manitoba Rocks! beyond Manitoba.

Manitoba’s mining and petroleum industries are experiencing continued growth and remain two of the province’s key economic drivers.  In 2012, it is estimated mining and petroleum provided jobs for more than 5,700 people, with another 18,000 people employed in spinoff businesses.  The same year, the value of mineral and petroleum production totalled more than $3.13 billion.  In 2012, capital expenditures on mining and petroleum development totalled an estimated $1.3 billion and the industries accounted for approximately seven per cent of provincial GDP and about 8.7 per cent of total exports.
For more information, visit Manitoba Rocks! at www.ManitobaRocks.info.

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Winnipeg October 3, 2013 MANITOBA MOVES FORWARD WITH THREE-YEAR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN – – – Province Continues to make Strategic Investments in Improved Bike, Pedestrain Facilities; Continues to Establish Supportive Policies, Improve Safety: Lemieux On the same day as all three levels of government gathered to open a major new link in Winnipeg’s active transportation (AT) network, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced two new initiatives under the province’s three-year, four-point AT action plan. “Over the past year, we’ve committed new capital dollars to support AT projects in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, we’ve implemented new initiatives to improve safety and we’ve launched our AT web portal,” said Lemieux. “Today I am pleased to announce the establishment of a provincial AT policy framework and the creation of a standing AT Public Stakeholder Advisory Committee.” The Public Stakeholder Advisory Committee will provide advice to government and help further promote the benefits of AT across sectors such as law enforcement, heavy construction, education, health, tourism, local governments and public safety, the minister said. “Establishing a policy framework and creating an advisory committee are both part of our government’s multi-faceted approach to active transportation, which includes improved co-ordination, supportive policies and resources, increased investments, and improved education and awareness,” said Lemieux. “We are committed to an integrated approach to AT that is articulated as a broad provincial policy and also linked to focused efforts across multiple government departments.” The minister noted that both of the initiatives announced today are recommendations from the 2011 Greater Strides report, which the province commissioned to help set a vision for active transportation in Manitoba. Since 2011, Manitoba has invested or committed more than $17 million in support of AT including the Small Communities AT Fund, the Pembina Highway cycle tracks and the Osborne Bridge project. In 2009, Manitoba increased Winnipeg’s annual road funding in order to support the Disraeli project. The increased funding enabled the AT bridge to be included in the overall design and eliminated complete closure of the bridge for 16 months during construction, Lemieux noted. “Including AT facilities in major capital projects is critical to developing a safe and efficient AT network” said Lemieux. “Manitoba is committed to working in partnership with municipalities to build important projects like the Disraeli AT bridge.” Manitoba’s Active Transportation policy framework is available at www.gov.mb.ca/ia/at. - 30 -

Scott Fielding, City Councillor for St. James-Brooklands, Curtis Fehr, communications director for Sturgeon Heights Community Centre and Deanne Crothers, MLA for St. James announced the addition of a spray pad and playground structure to the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre complex at a formal ground-breaking for the project

Can we afford these high priced bureaucrats anymore?

Fat-cat bureaucrats at Manitoba’s largest school division are raking in the bucks with pay raises as high as 26% over the past two years, while school trustees demand taxpayers dig even deeper into their pockets for another round of property tax hikes this year. School trustees at the Winnipeg School Division keep telling us they have no choice but to jack up taxes every year in order to preserve important educational programs for kids. This year the division is considering a property tax increase of 6.8%. The proposed hike comes on the heels of a 7.8% property tax increase last year. And while some of that money will go towards teachers’ salaries and other legitimate cost increases, it will also go towards paying the skyrocketing salaries of senior bureaucrats at the division. WSD’s chief superintendent Pauline Clarke is the highest paid bureaucrat at the division. She took home $198,071 in pay in 2011, up a staggering 16.2% over what she got in 2009. Superintendent of inner-city schools Karen Seiler — representing one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the province — got a mind-boggling raise of 26.1% over the past two years, cashing in a paycheque worth $138,938 in 2011. And these bureaucrats try to tell us with a straight face that they have no choice but to jack up our taxes? Give me a break. Just to put the chief superintendent’s salary into perspective, she is paid 39% more than the premier of Manitoba. Premier Greg Selinger was paid $142,071 in 2011. In fact, the division’s assistant secretary-treasurer — yes, “assistant’ — is paid about the same as the premier of Manitoba. Go figure. Assistant secretary-treasurer Tom Bobby made just a little bit more than Selinger in 2011 at $142,502. What’s incredible is that the division still employs five high-paid superintendents — a chief superintendent and four area superintendents — on top of an army of directors, managers and consultants. Do taxpayers really need to pay for five superintendents at the Winnipeg School Division? Meanwhile, where do these pay raises come from, anyway? Seriously, raises of 16% and 19% over two years? I don’t know too many teachers getting annual raises of 8% and 9%. The reality is, the division has done nothing to curb its growing bureaucratic costs. Senior administrators happily give themselves outrageous wage increases and then cry poverty, claiming they’re not getting enough tax dollars from property owners. They’re actually talking about raising property taxes in this division by a stunning 14.6% over two years. Where do they think average taxpayers will get that money from? Sorry, but most of us aren’t getting 16.2% pay raises over two years, Ms. Clarke. Maybe you can afford a 14.6% property tax hike. But it’s a bit out of range for your average working-class stiff trying to pay the bills and keep up with other rising costs. These guys are completely out of control. They have the delegated authority from the Selinger government to jack up taxes every year and they face no repercussions for it. Education Minister Nancy Allan throws her hands in the air and claims there’s nothing she can do about it. She says school divisions have the authority to jack up taxes if they want. Actually, Ms. Allan, that legislative authority comes from you. Meanwhile, the little guy with the $125,000 home gets shafted with another higher tax bill. And what does that taxpayer get in return for paying the school division more money at triple the rate of inflation? Nothing. What an absolute sham.

Colleen McKee (City of Flin Flon Councillor), Helga Bryant (Northern Health Region CEO), Premier Greg Selinger, and Clarence Pettersen (Flin Flon MLA) celebrate the official opening of the new EMS station in Flin Flon

October 1, 2013 PROVINCE'S BUILDING AND RENEWAL PLAN TO INVEST IN FLIN FLON AREA ROADS, INFRASTRUCTURE – – – Province Committed to Economic Growth: Premier FLIN FLON—The province will invest in upgrades to roads and bridges in the Flin Flon region that will produce a stronger transportation system, create hundreds of jobs and boost the regional economy, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today. “The Flin Flon region has experienced healthy growth in the past decade, thanks in part to major investments in roads and infrastructure,” Selinger said. “The work we are planning to do in the next three years will strengthen the region’s provincial highway system and help create a stronger economy.” The premier said the projects will include: •Phased improvements over several years to a 21-kilometre stretch of PTH 10 between Bakers Narrows and Flin Flon, starting in the 2014 construction season. ◦The initial phase of this project includes intersection improvements and grade realignments to improve the safety of the road. ◦This will be followed by a large grading project and then paving. •Grading and paving a 16-km stretch of PTH 39 from six kilometres west of PR 596 to 10 km east of PR 596. The premier said Flin Flon and Snow Lake will also benefit from provincial investments in municipal road renewal projects through the Municipal Road Improvement Program and other funding. Specific projects include: •repairing and renewing storm drains, new road base, curbs and asphalt topping along a 100-metre stretch of Flin Flon’s Oak Avenue, which provides the main access to municipal recreation facilities, seniors housing and local schools; •renewing 500 m of roads with new asphalt along Elm Avenue and Hemlock Drive, Hart Avenue, Windsor Avenue and Balsam Avenue; •paving of a 200-m section of Copper Road in Snow Lake, following upgrades to municipal utility infrastructure along this section of road in previous years. These road improvements are part of Manitoba’s $1.8-billion Building and Renewal Plan to meet the province’s critical infrastructure needs including flood protection, municipal projects, health centres and schools, as well as roads. The Building and Renewal Plan and the time-limited increase in the PST are building and improving Manitoba roads while stimulating the economy and creating thousands of jobs across the province. “Over the past seven years, the Manitoba government has invested about $340 million in road projects across the north,” Selinger said. “These new investments will help Flin Flon continue to grow and attract more people and businesses." Highlights of completed projects in the Flin Flon area include: •replacing a bridge at Big Island Lake along PTH 10 south of Flin Flon, •resurfacing over 27 km of PTH 10 from Cranberry Portage to Bakers Narrows, and •preserving pavement with a sealcoat treatment on a 35-km section of PTH 291 from Suwanee River to Turnbull Lake access. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution approaching and in construction zones, for their own safety and the safety of workers. The latest information on lane closures and road conditions is available anytime at 511 (toll-free), at www.mb511.ca or by following the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads. - 30 -

October 1, 2013 ART CITY, MANITOBA GOVERNMENT PARTNER TO CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 2013 – – – Project to Create Lasting Tribute to Manitoba Women Who Have Made the Impossible Possible: Ministers The Manitoba government and a not-for-profit community art studio in Winnipeg are teaming up to celebrate Women’s History Month with a unique project to reflect the contributions of women in this province, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today. “Women’s History Month is an annual event that provides an opportunity to recognize the many achievements of women in Manitoba and to reflect on the continuing evolution of women’s roles in today’s society,” Howard said. To promote this year’s theme, She Has Made the Impossible, Possible, Education Minister Nancy Allan encouraged Manitobans to create a story, poem or picture about a woman who has made the impossible, possible for them. “I want Manitobans to use their creativity to honour the important achievements of Manitoba women who are meaningful to them,” said Allan. “By each of us sharing our unique impressions, we will create a lasting tribute to the women who have made a positive impact on each of our lives.” Art City, a community studio that provides space and art supplies to people of all ages to express their artistic creativity, will create the visual installation of the art pieces Manitobans submit. “Art City is excited to work on this initiative that recognizes the important contributions of women,” said Josh Ruth, managing director for Art City. “Wanda Koop is our example of a woman who made access to art possible for many children living in the West Broadway neighbourhood by establishing Art City, which has been going strong now for 15 years. We look forward to creating this installation once all pieces are collected.” The installation will be unveiled at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Oct. 28, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 200. More details on this project and submission forms for the project are available on the Manitoba Status of Women website at www.gov.mb.ca/mswor calling 204-945-6281 in Winnipeg or 1-800-263-0234 (toll-free). - 30 -

Unleashing the burden of studen loans

Advanced Education Minister Erin Selby Announces Support to University Students Looking to Reduce Loans. (Left to Right) Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby, Rob Altemeyer, MLA for Wolseley, Peyton Veitch, University of Winnipeg Students’ Association and Lloyd Axworthy, President, University of Winnipeg
October 2, 2013 PROVINCE PUTS $10.5 MILLION BACK IN STUDENTS' POCKETS – – – 3,700 Students Will See Loans Reduced: Selby The Manitoba government is continuing to ensure quality post-secondary education is affordable and accessible by providing $10.5 million through the Manitoba Bursary loan remission program, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby said today. “Like all parents, I know the difference that a university or college education can make for our kids,” said Selby. “That’s why we’ve worked to expand grants, scholarships and bursaries, to put a good education in the reach of every young person. Today we’re building on our progress by helping 3,700 more students by reducing their student loans.” The bursary is an annual loan remission program. Awards are applied against students’ outstanding Manitoba student loan balances, basically reducing student debt for those who qualify, Selby said. This year, eligible students will receive an average $2,830 reduction in their student loans. “In addition to other provincial scholarship, bursary and access initiatives that help address the upfront costs of a university education, the Manitoba Bursary remission program helps alleviate students’ anxieties about their future finances, such that they can better focus on their studies,” said Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. “Along with Manitoba’s student tax rebate program and low student loan interest rates, it helps to ensure that our post-secondary graduates can hit the ground running.” Since 1999, the Manitoba government has made substantial investments in supports for university and college students to keep post-secondary education affordable and accessible, the minister said. These investments include: •providing more than $240 million in grants, scholarships and bursaries through the 2013-14 academic year; •providing $90 million to students who stay and work in Manitoba through the 60 per cent tuition rebate; •reducing interest on Manitoba student loans – first in 2008 to prime plus 1.5 per cent, then again in 2012 to prime rate, saving students nearly $1.2 million and counting; •increasing the earnings exemption for student loans, allowing them to earn more money during the school year without affecting their loan eligibility; •increasing the vehicle exemption for student loans; •introducing the Rural/Northern Bursary to support students who have to travel or relocate to pursue post-secondary studies; and •increasing the annual ACCESS Program bursary budget by almost $1 million and committing more than $31 million in ACCESS Program bursary assistance since 1999. - 30