May 24, 2013

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH U.S. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING REGULATIONS

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Province Stands behind Manitoba Hog, Cattle Producers against Changes: Kostyshyn

The province has expressed its disappointment in the United States’ continued unwillingness to comply with its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) for country of origin labelling (COOL), Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn said today.
“The United States’ changes to COOL will further discriminate against our cattle and hog producers and negatively impact industries on both sides of the border,” said Kostyshyn.  “As a province, we will continue to work with industry, other provinces and the federal government to stand with our hog and cattle producers against these unfair measures.”
The WTO ruled last June that COOL discriminates against exports of Canadian livestock.  The United States had until today to implement regulatory or legislative changes to COOL.  However, the final rule amending COOL, published by the United States Department of Agriculture yesterday, does not include changes needed to bring COOL into compliance with its WTO obligations.  In Manitoba’s view, these changes will worsen the barriers facing Canadian livestock since COOL regulations were first implemented in 2008, Kostyshyn said.
“Manitoba’s hog and cattle farmers have already been hit hard by the effects of COOL and these new changes will only worsen the negative impact by making the COOL system more complicated,” said Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.
Bjornson also noted that in 2012, slaughter hog exports were down 77 per cent as compared to 2007, pre-COOL numbers.  Isowean/feeder pig exports were 28 per cent lower and slaughter cattle exports also saw 74 per cent decline over the same period, he noted.
Kostyshyn raised concerns with the COOL changes in March of this year during a trade mission to Minnesota at meetings with U.S. legislators, agricultural officials and industry representatives.  Manitoba also wrote to the United States Department of Agriculture to express concern with the regulatory changes.
The province supports the federal government’s consideration of all options at its disposal to assist the industry including, if necessary, the use of retaliatory measures.  Kostyshyn also recognized the work of federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz and federal International Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway Minister Edward Fast to lobby the United States to change COOL.  The province will continue to work with the federal government to address this significant trade barrier and to open up new markets for Canadian cattle and hogs, Kostyshyn said.

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October 9, 2012

PROVINCIAL SHINE ON INITIATIVE HELPING INNER-CITY, ABORIGINAL STUDENTS BUILD CONFIDENCE, DEVELOP SKILLS FOR POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS: ALLAN

The province continues its support for a successful initiative that helps Aboriginal and inner‑city students access quality learning at the University of Winnipeg through school-based, after-school, weekend and summer camp activities to help prepare them for post-secondary learning, Education Minister Nancy Allan and Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Experiencing quality learning in a university environment helps Aboriginal and inner-city students who are facing social and economic barriers to education build confidence in post-secondary settings,” said Allan.  “With the help of Shine On, many of these students are able to clear the hurdles they face and move forward to achieve their educational goals in college and university.”
Allan announced a total of $65,000 for the Shine On initiative, which aims to increase high-school graduation rates, and college and university enrolment.
Shine On activities include:

• workshops on the prerequisites needed to prepare for post-secondary education and post‑secondary funding/bursary opportunities;
• career counselling opportunities and information on course options;
• tours of the University of Winnipeg and events with specific faculties and departments;
• leadership development activities such as St. John’s Ambulance first aid and Level 1 coaching certification; and
• Eco-Kids on Campus programming, which includes hands-on scientific and environmental experiments.

“Programs like Shine On provide our youth with hands-on learning opportunities and prepare them for their future education, which will help them achieve success and become productive members of their communities,” said Chief.
In addition, Aboriginal students enrolled at the university serve as role models and senior leaders to the high school students.  Participating students are guaranteed full-time summer employment in the field of community development.
Shine On is a partnership between the Manitoba government, University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg School Division.
Since 2007, Manitoba Education has contributed $395,000 to the Shine On initiative, Allan said.

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“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”

Volunteers of varying abilities make an increasingly important contribution to social and economic wellbeing in society today. This vast and often untapped market of potential volunteers represents a significant portion of our society. As such, including this group in our recruitment plans aids us in diversifying our talent pools.

Ensuring that volunteering is inclusive and open to all is not easy. It requires an active commitment and hard work from many individuals throughout organizations. It requires a commitment to provide meaningful assignments for volunteers, and an acceptance from employees at all levels to welcome all volunteers to join the team.

In some cases, it is hoped that these actions can introduce basic job skills to volunteers. Then, conceivably they may develop and learn enough skills to enter the job market thus, in some cases, breaking a cycle of poverty and dependence on outside assistance. Together we are empowering people to make positive changes in their lives.

The provincial government has introduced a program that will assist with breaking down some of the barriers that exist in bringing volunteers of various abilities into our organizations. The Rewarding Work strategy was created to reduce poverty and to support sustainable employment. Of this overall strategy, the Rewarding Volunteer Benefit is just one aspect.

The Rewarding Volunteer Benefit began in February 2009. It allows persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work to receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit will encourage and reward volunteerism and cover related costs. People who volunteer at least four times per month will receive $50. People who volunteer at least eight times per month will receive $100 per month.

Tim Herkert, has been a Project Specialist (Family Services and Housing) two years with the Community Services Delivery division of the Department of Family Services & Housing and with the Department for over 25 years. In that time, he has held many roles including Income Assistance Counsellor, Program Specialist, EIA Director and as an FSH Area Director. He was also the Director of the Social Services Appeal Board for a number of years.

Presently, Tim is with a special projects unit that plans, supports and assists in initiating strategic service delivery initiatives across the range of supports being provided to Manitobans by the Department of Family Services & Housing. These include delivery of income assistance, vocational rehabilitation, children’s special services, support living, and childcare programs.

On Thursday November 19, 2009 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Westwood Community Church (401 Westwood Drive) MAVA will proudly present Tim Herkert as he brings information about:

“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers
to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”

Plan to join us for this informative event.

October 30, 2008

NEW HEALTH-CARE TEAMS TO PROMOTE WELLNESS, CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION ACROSS MANITOBA: IRVIN-ROSS

More than $2.8 million in new funding will be invested to create teams of healthy living professionals to address chronic disease prevention and promote healthy living services across the province, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.

“Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and asthma are leading causes of illness, disability and poor quality of life,” said Irvin-Ross. “This team-based approach will allow highly skilled wellness specialists to help Manitobans guard against disease and increase awareness of healthy living initiatives that can reduce the risk of chronic illness.”

Funding has been provided to each of Manitoba’s regional health authorities to create community teams across the province. In total, approximately 44 new health professionals will be hired across Manitoba to strengthen disease-prevention services and boost healthy living awareness.

The new teams will deliver a range of services including:
· enhancing regional and community capacity for healthy living initiatives including physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation and mental health;
· expanding regional diabetes assessment and treatment programs across the province including First Nation and Métis communities;
· working with high-risk groups to promote chronic disease prevention and wellness;
· supporting prevention and health promotion initiatives such as Manitoba in motion, Healthy Schools, Get Better Together! and the Chronic Disease Prevention Initiative.

“Teams of health-care providers will work with patients to provide a wide range of information about disease prevention and management,” said Kathy McPhail, chief executive officer of the Central Regional Health Authority. “I know this team will work together to help individuals and communities in our region better understand how they can make healthier choices in their lives and better maintain their health.”

The minister also noted the province is providing $300,000 over two years to the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital to co-ordinate and support the delivery of the Get Better Together! program across the province.

“Research has shown that programs like Get Better Together! give people with a chronic disease needed information and supports so they can maintain their health and manage their condition,” said Irvin-Ross. “These kinds of programs result not only in better health outcomes but also improved quality of life for people with chronic conditions.”

“People with multiple chronic conditions face real barriers to making healthy lifestyle choices. If you are in pain or chronically fatigued, it’s that much more difficult to be physically active,” said Carrie Solmundson, chief operating officer of Seven Oaks General Hospital. “The good news for health care is that the positive steps participants of the Get Better Together! program make to take charge of their health have been shown to prevent hospitalization. That’s good for the participants and good for efficient use of health-care resources.”