Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum chats with the children at Cairns Children's Centre (in École R.H.G. Bonnycastle School) in Winnipeg, just before he announced details of the construction of more than 250 new, high-quality, affordable child care spaces that will help families in Winnipeg, St. Andrews and Oak Lake.

February 19, 2014

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON MORE THAN 250 NEW, HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CHILD-CARE SPACES

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Four New Centres, One Expansion will help Families in Winnipeg, St. Andrews, Oak Lake: Minister Allum

Families in Winnipeg, St. Andrews and Oak Lake will have greater access to some of the best, most‑affordable licensed child care in Canada with the creation of more than 250 new child-care spaces at four new centres and one existing site, Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum announced today.
“More parents will soon have access to the child care they need to be able to work, support their families and thrive in their communities,” Minister Allum said.  “Under Family Choices, we have funded more high-quality, licensed and reliable child-care options than ever before in Manitoba because it’s a priority for families.”
The minister said the new spaces will be created with an investment of about $9 million and will include:

• 74 more spaces in an expansion of Cairns Children’s Centre in École R.H.G. Bonnycastle School in the Waverley Heights area of Winnipeg.  The child-care centreis expected to receive approximately $2.5 million in provincial capital support with work planned to start this spring.
• 64 new spaces at a new early learning and child-care centre to be added to Highbury School in south Winnipeg.  The new spaces will be created with capital funding of more than $2.2 million.  Construction is expected to begin this spring.
• 40 new spaces at St. Andrews Child Care, a new centre located next to St. Andrews School in St. Andrews.  The new construction is being funded with a commitment of almost $2 million in capital support and construction is expected to be essentially complete in the spring of 2015.
• 20 new spaces with the establishment of a new child-care centre program at Oak Lake Community School in Oak Lake.  A facility constructed next to the school is receiving approximately $640,000 in provincial capital support with construction beginning in the next few weeks.
• As many as 74 spaces to be created with about $2 million in new capital support as part of an addition to École Tache, operated by at Le P´tit Bonheur.

Provincial legislation now requires child-care centres to be included in schools whenever a new school is built or is undergoing major renovations.

Manitoba has nearly 32,500 licensed child-care spaces for infant, preschool and school-age children including those with additional support needs.  Since 1999, the Manitoba government has increased the number of funded spaces by more than 80 per cent, providing care for children in centres, homes and nursery schools across the province, Minister Allum said.
The overall budget for child care in Manitoba is more than $147 million, which reflects growth of more than 174 per cent since 1999, the minister said.  There are more than 660 licensed centres across Manitoba with almost half located in schools.  As well, there are more than 400 licensed family child-care homes in the province.  
Manitoba maintains the second-lowest regulated child-care fees in Canada, the minister added.
More information about Family Choices, Manitoba’s strategy to further improve child care, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childcare.

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Government Updates

February 3, 2014 PREMIER SELINGER ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR MANITOBA PUBLIC INSURANCE Dan Guimond will become the new president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), Premier Greg Selinger announced today. “Dan brings a wealth of auto insurance experience to this position, with nearly three decades of service with MPI,” said Premier Selinger. “He understands that all Manitobans own our public utilities and should benefit from them through low rates and excellent service.” Most recently, Guimond was vice-president, strategy and innovation, and chief information officer with Manitoba Public Insurance. In this role, he was responsible for the management and administration of the corporation’s automobile insurance product and services. “Manitoba’s public auto insurer continues to be the model of success in the auto insurance industry and an important part of Manitoba’s affordability advantage,” said the premier. “An independent analysis by Deloitte has confirmed that Manitobans pay the lowest average auto insurance cost in Canada, while providing a second-to-none injury benefits plan for those Manitobans injured as result of a vehicle collision.” Premier Selinger and Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance, also thanked outgoing Manitoba Public Insurance president and CEO Marilyn McLaren for her three decades of service with MPI, the last nine years as president and chief executive officer. In that time, Manitobans have enjoyed a cumulative overall rate decrease of 14.9 per cent. “Marilyn has been a strong leader at MPI on behalf of ratepayers,” said Minister Swan. “I want to extend my thanks, especially for her work in partnership with Manitoba Justice and the Winnipeg Police Service that has reduced auto theft by over 85 per cent since 2004.” Guimond joined Manitoba Public Insurance in 1990 and has held progressively responsible positions during his career. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Manitoba, as well as an associate customer service designation from the Life Office Management Institute. In addition, he is a fellow of the Life Management Institute and completed the Queen’s University School of Business public executive program in 2004. “Throughout his career, Dan has been driven by a desire to provide Manitobans with superior and innovative insurance products and services,” said Jake Janzen, board chair, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Under Dan’s leadership, MPI will continue to best serve the insurance and licensing needs of Manitobans.” Guimond will begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 24. ***** February 4, 2014 EDUCATION AND ADVANCED LEARNING MINISTER RECOGNIZES I LOVE TO READ MONTH – – – Province Increases Funding for Early Literacy Intervention: Allum Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum stressed the importance of reading today in recognition of February as I Love to Read Month. “We all know that reading is an essential skill that is the foundation for lifelong learning,” said Minister Allum. “But reading also develops a child’s imagination and through reading children learn about people, places and ideas beyond their own experiences. The benefits go far beyond the classroom.” The minister added that funding for early literacy intervention will increase in the coming year by more than $240,500 to help give more children the help they need to develop this essential skill, adding the government is investing $7.8 million annually to help more than 2,000 students in Grade 1 with one‑on-one supports to help them succeed in reading at an early age. One of the programs that will benefit from this funding is Reading Recovery, which gives students valuable one-on-one instruction to help students accelerate their learning and reading capabilities, he said. I Love to Read is an annual month-long celebration to encourage reading, writing and sharing in the joy of literacy. This year’s theme, Invent Your Future, encourages children to stretch their creative minds and think like inventors, scientists and mathematicians. Manitoba Teachers’ Society President Paul Olson concurred and said, “Literacy is the academic foundation not only for further study or for employment, but for engaged citizenship. As teachers, we work hard to bring our students rich and diverse reading experiences to make them literate with a wide range of forms and styles of reading. We do this all year round but I Love to Read Month really celebrates and highlights that work.” The minister noted parents, guardians and family members play a major role in helping young children learn to appreciate the power of pictures and stories. “Reading to your child every day increases literacy skills and is one of the most important things you can do to prepare him or her for learning to read,” Minister Allum said. “I encourage families to share the excitement of reading together, as parents, grandparents and other family members are a key to success in helping kids learn to love reading." - 30 - ******** February 3, 2014 PROVINCE ANNOUNCES ACCESS TO IMPROVED CANCER SCREENING – – – New Colon Cancer, Lynch Syndrome Testing Available to Patients: Minister Selby New testing procedures to help identify patients at a greater risk for inherited colon and other types of cancers are now in place including testing for Lynch syndrome, a disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today. “Identifying the risks for cancer is critical to providing the most appropriate care possible to the patient and at-risk relatives, and we’re pleased to offer this screening in our province,” Minister Selby. “This testing will give patients, their families and their physicians the information they need to make informed decisions about treatment options, risk factors and a lifetime care plan.” All colorectal cancer surgery patients aged 70 years and under will receive testing for Lynch syndrome. As a result of this testing, patients will have access to increased cancer surveillance which could lead to earlier detection and improved cancer survival rates. Immediate family members of affected patients will also benefit from this new testing, as it will help to identify their risk of developing cancers and allow them to consider early detection and prevention measures, the minister said. Manitoba’s cancer strategy highlights the importance of genetic testing in early diagnosis as this type of screening can help oncologists tailor treatment for patients to provide the most effective form of chemotherapy, she added. “No one wants to find out they have cancer or that an inherited genetic mutation caused it. Worse still is seeing the cancer connection in your family but not knowing what it is,” said Megan Tucker, who is living with Lynch syndrome. “To be able to do the test right here in Manitoba is a wonderful step. Testing followed by routine screening for the cancers allows me to be active in monitoring and managing my cancer risk and increases the overall chances of extending my life.” Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM), the organization responsible for Manitoba’s public laboratory and rural diagnostic imaging services, is now offering these new tests. Genetic testing for breast cancer is also available and further expansion of genetic screening for other forms of cancer, such as melanomas and lung cancer, is being explored, Minister Selby said. “We have a commitment to provide the results that matter to our patients, and the topic of inherited colon cancer and Lynch syndrome testing has been an emerging issue for the past several years,” said Jim Slater, chief executive officer of Diagnostic Services Manitoba. “We understand how the local availability of this important genetic testing will help to save lives through earlier diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, and we are pleased to offer this testing right here in Manitoba in partnership with CancerCare Manitoba and the province.” Patients who have inherited the Lynch syndrome gene have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing colorectal cancer at some point over the course of their life. Women with Lynch syndrome have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing endometrial cancer over the course of their life. “With financial support from the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, this unique joint effort enables genetic testing that can be life-saving,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and chief executive officer of CancerCare Manitoba. “Detection of colon cancer at its earliest stage means a 90 per cent survival rate and Lynch syndrome testing is one more tool in our arsenal against this deadly form of cancer.” The minister noted this investment builds on the province’s commitment to shorten the cancer patient journey. The $40-million IN SIXTY initiative strives to expedite cancer testing and treatment for patients when cancer is first suspected to help get patients the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. The province also now provides costly cancer medication free to patients to help alleviate the burden of this disease on families. - 30 - - 30 -

August 27, 2013 MANITOBA TO FILE FACTUM ON SENATE REFORM REFERENCE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA – – – Federal Government Should Consult Provinces to Abolish Senate: Swan Manitoba’s submission, known as a factum, on the constitutionality of potential measures to reform the Senate will be filed in the Supreme Court of Canada today, Attorney General and Justice Minister Andrew Swan has announced. Manitoba, in conjunction with other provinces and territories, is intervening in the federal government’s reference question on the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada. “Here in Manitoba, the provincial senate was abolished in 1876,” said Swan. “In our view, the Senate is fundamentally flawed and it’s time to abolish it. I urge the federal government to engage the provinces in consultation with the ultimate goal of finding consensus to abolish the upper chamber.” Manitoba’s submission addresses the constitutional questions posed by the federal government to the Supreme Court of Canada. The province’s position is that Parliament does not have the constitutional authority to enact significant unilateral changes to the structure of the Senate or to the selection of its members, Swan said, adding those changes require consultation and agreement with the provinces. If there continues to be a Senate in Canada, Swan said future senators should be chosen through an election process. In 2009, Manitoba’s all-party Special Committee on Senate Reform recommended the federal government fund and administer any elections of senators in the provinces and that these elections be held in concert with federal elections during the federal election cycle. There is currently a private member’s resolution before the Manitoba legislature calling for the abolition of the Senate sponsored by James Allum, MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview. - 30 -

Buffered Bike lanes first in Canada

James Allum (front), MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview, joined cycling advocate Anders Swanson in announcing the new buffered bike lanes now available along Pembina Highway between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive

June 28, 2013

CITY OF WINNIPEG'S FIRST-EVER BUFFERED BIKE LANES ALONG PEMBINA HIGHWAY ADD SAFETY FOR CYCLISTS

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Innovative $4-million Active Transportation Design Unique in Canada

Winnipeg’s first-ever buffered bike lanes have been built on one of the city’s busiest commuter cycling thoroughfares to create a safer route for cyclists.  The lanes marked by special polyposts, located on the east and west sides of Pembina Highway between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive, were officially opened today by Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Mayor Sam Katz. 
“We are seeing more people choose active transportation options as a preferred way to do their daily commute,” said Lemieux.  “It’s important that our roadways reflect this by having dedicated and safe sections of the road for cyclists.  This Pembina design is unique and will be well utilized by local residents, university students and visitors to the new Investors Group Field.”
“Pembina Highway is a very busy thoroughfare and these new posts create a welcome physical barrier between cyclists and traffic,” said Katz.  “With the addition of Pembina Highway to the city’s Active Transportation Network, Winnipeg now has 392 kilometres of multi-use pathways and bike lanes.  This expanding network makes cycling an attractive option for transportation, recreation or fitness.”
This buffered bike lane closes a critical gap in the city’s Active Transportation (AT) Network and allows people to have a sustainable option to travel from downtown using AT facilities leading to Crescent Drive and to various areas in south Winnipeg including the University of Manitoba.  It also provides a connection to the Bishop Grandin Greenway and other AT facilities in the area.
Pembina Highway is a vital north-south link in the City of Winnipeg’s Regional Transportation Network connecting the University of Manitoba, the Central Business District, the Perimeter Highway and the Inner Ring Strategic Road Network.  The buffered bike lanes give cyclists a dedicated space while respecting the many other users of Pembina Highway.  The design was the result of a planning process involving various stakeholders and includes a wider reserved lane for cyclists.
This cycling facility features a unique bus stop design that illustrates the city’s commitment to balancing the needs of all users within public rights-of-way.  This bus-stop island design features an elevated bike lane between the bus stop and the sidewalk that accommodates buses by not requiring them to pull out of their travelling lane or block cyclists. The bus stops also feature unique way-finding tactile surfaces to aid pedestrians of all abilities to navigate the bus stop area. 
The project cost $4 million, with the City of Winnipeg contributing $3.5 million through the capital budget and the Province of Manitoba contributing $500,000 through the Road Improvement Fund.

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