April 17, 2014

PROVINCE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SET MANDATORY TIME FRAMES FOR LABOUR BOARD HEARINGS, DECISIONS

The Government of Manitoba has introduced amendments to the Labour Relations Act that would help ensure Manitoba Labour Board decisions are issued within a reasonable time frame, Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun announced today.

“We want to ensure that labour board hearings and decisions happen in a timely manner so the parties involved can put disputes behind them and move forward,” said Minister Braun.  “These amendments will help make the labour board more responsive to workers and employers by putting in place a mandatory time frame for hearings and decisions.”

The Manitoba Labour Board hears a variety of matters including complaints of unfair labour practices, applications for certification and decertification of unions, determination of successor rights, settlements of collective agreements and decisions regarding ratification votes.

“Delays in making determinations on these matters can undermine the labour management process,” said Minister Braun.  “This legislation builds on new measures the labour board is instituting including hiring for the new position of executive director, expanding its use of mediation and holding pre-hearing conferences.”

The amendments would require the board to set out a time frame for decisions following the conclusion of a hearing on complaints, applications or other referrals to the board and would set rules and procedures respecting the time frames of hearings on applications for certification or decertification of a union as bargaining agents for a group of employees.  It would also require the board to review any regulations it has made under the act at least once every six years, the minister added.

The proposed legislation is supported unanimously by the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee, which includes representatives of labour unions and employers.

“The labour board has been making positive strides in introducing policies to improve efficiency of board processes,” said the minister.  “These changes demonstrate a commitment to making such improvements an ongoing function of the board.”

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What a sad day that Jim Flaherty died of a massive heart attack today.

April 10, 2014

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JIM FLAHERTY FROM PREMIER GREG SELINGER

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Flaherty today.

I was fortunate to work with him both when he was minister of finance in Ontario as well as minister of finance for Canada.  He was committed, diligent, hard working and passionate in his convictions and vision for his province and his country.

It is particularly saddening to know that, after serving the public for so long, his untimely passing comes so soon after his retirement as federal finance minister.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Christine and his sons John, Galen and Quinn.

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He served the country well. To a great man, may he rest in peace.

Congratulations to our Excellent Teachers

Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum, with the recipients of the 2013 14 Celebration of Excellence in Teaching awards. The awards were presented today at a special ceremony at the Legislative Building

 

April 10, 2014

MANITOBA EDUCATORS RECOGNIZED FOR CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, EFFECTIVENESS

Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum today announced the recipients of the 2013‑14 Celebration of Excellence in Teaching awards.
“Teachers have dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring students,” said Minister Allum.  “It’s important to recognize the work they do and show appreciation for those who prepare our young people to achieve great things in life.”
This year’s recipients are:

• teaching excellence – early years:

      Andrea Maxwell, Centennial School, Sunrise School Division;

• teaching excellence – middle years:

      Jason Nadeau, McCreary School, Turtle River School Division;

• teaching excellence – senior years:

      Donald Nikkel, Lundar School, Lakeshore School Division;

• outstanding new teacher:

      Lauren Marshall, Lundar School, Lakeshore School Division;

• team collaboration:

      Angela Bowley, Jacqueline Burrough and Shelley Lowes, Birtle Collegiate, Park West        School Division; and

• outstanding school leader:

      Moyra Vallelly, Southwood Elementary, Garden Valley School Division.
“The recipients of these awards are passionate about learning and I’m pleased to recognize their commitment to their students, schools and profession,” said Minister Allum.  “They exemplify outstanding teaching and professionalism within and outside the classroom, and are well-deserving of this honour.”
The awards were presented today at a special ceremony at the Legislative Building.  Each recipient will receive a certificate of recognition and a $500 cash award.  The recipients’ schools will also receive $500 for projects or equipment.

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Congratulations Mr. Jim Ogunnoiki - Winner of the Lt. Governor's Volunteer Award

 

Mr. Jim Ogunnoiki was on the red carpet yesterday at the Gala Awards banquet at the Royal Bank Convention centre in downtown Winnipeg being photographed flanked by his entourage of family, friends and colleagues who were there to support him.

A prominent member of the African Caribbean communities in Manitoba Mr. Ogunnoiki is well known for his volunteer efforts. His popular Annual Job Fair he founded and coordinates every year through the African-Caribbean Association of Manitoba Inc. of which he was President many times, attracts hundreds of people seeking employment and potential employers. He is well deserving on this award.

 

 

Mr. Ogunnoiki flanked by community members, Mr. Ogunnoiki and son, Mr. Ogunnoiki and

co-workers

 

Global Eyes Magazine

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