Memorial - Upcoming Event

Please join us for a memorial service in honour

of Dr. Henry Morgentaler; an extraordinary man

who has forever changed our lives.

IN MEMORY OF

DR. MORGENTALER

To RSVP

Please call 204-330-3084 or email

lacaron@womenshealthclinic.org

FRIDAY JUNE 7 AT 6:15 P.M.

Doors open at 5:45, speakers at 6:15

MOSAIC

Please join us for our Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Mosaic – 397 Carlton Street
4:00 – 4:30 Member sign-in, business meeting
4:30 – 5:00 Refreshments and visiting We would appreciate if you could RSVP: (204) 774-7311 or info@mosaicnet.ca
Childcare can be provided, please indicate if you will be bringing a child(ren

June 3, 2013

PROVINCE SUPPORTS CRTC WIRELESS CODE FOR CELLPHONES, MOBILE DEVICES

– – –
CRTC Code will Complement Manitoba's Existing Legislation, Provide New Protections: Rondeau

The provincial government supports the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proposed wireless code to enhance protections for all Canadians when it comes to cellphones and mobile devices, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau said today.
“With so many Manitobans relying on cellphones in their day-to-day lives, families expect some fairness.  That’s why last year we created new rules to better protect consumers,” said Rondeau.  “We’re happy to see this approach being broadened to protect all Canadians.”
Like Manitoba’s cellphone legislation, the CRTC Wireless Code will now require that contracts:

• be written in plain language,
• include clear pricing information,
• be given to consumers within specific time periods, and
• prohibit changes to key terms and conditions without consumer consent.

The provincial government introduced its cellphone legislation to address issues that were within its provincial jurisdiction for cellphones.  In a letter sent to the CRTC in May 2012, the province encouraged the CRTC to review a number of consumer cellphone issues that fall under federal jurisdiction.
The CRTC’s Wireless Code will complement Manitoba’s legislation and further enhance protections in the marketplace by providing consumers with the right:

• to cancel contracts at no cost after a maximum of two years, regardless of the length of agreement;
• to limit extra data charges to $50 per month and international roaming charges at $100;
• to have phones unlocked after 90 days or immediately if the phone was paid in full;
• to pay no extra charges for a service described as unlimited;
• to have services suspended at no cost if a phone is lost or stolen; and
• to have the contract in an alternative format at no charge and a longer (30-day) trial period for anyone with a disability.

The CRTC Wireless Code will apply to new contracts starting on Dec. 2, 2013.
The Manitoba’s Consumer Protection Office will continue to work with Manitobans and the industry to ensure the new code meets the needs of both groups and will ensure ongoing communication with the CRTC and with the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services, Rondeau said.

 - 30 -

June 3, 2013

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) board chair Rev Peter Flynn is pleased to announce that Rita Chahal has been appointed Executive Director of MIIC / Welcome Place.

With recent policy and funding changes to Canada's commitment to immigrants and refugees at the Provincial and Federal levels, Flynn said that “MIIC is delighted to take advantage of Rita’s combined not-for-profit and business leadership experience to help us reach the next level of MIIC’s growth and sustainability”.

Prior to her current appointment and for the past four and a half years, Rita has served in the elite position as General Manager of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce where she worked closely with the business community across Manitoba. Earlier in her career, Rita was the Executive Director of the Women in Media Foundation and Executive Director of Employment Projects of Winnipeg, where she got first hand understanding and insight into the issues, opportunities and challenges that refugees and new immigrants face when they arrive in Manitoba. Her community service includes taking a leadership position on a number of boards and advisory committees over her career. She currently serves on the board of a crown corporation, Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation.

Very excited about her new role, Rita said that "I am humbled and privileged to be part of one of the most effective and influential Canadian agencies that help refugees arriving in Manitoba. And, I am honored to be a part of the Canadian and global commitment to serve those who have been oppressed and lost all hope in the face of war and political unrest"

MIIC/Welcome Place is a federally funded not for profit organization based in Winnipeg. MIIC promotes and supports the protection and resettlement of refugees from many countries and offers a range of services that welcome and assist refugee newcomers in their settlement and integration into Canadian society. MIIC strives to enable independence and full participation of these newcomers in our community. Refugee newcomers contribute to the strength of our community, our economy, and our diversity. MIIC has a well established history and success in serving refugees in Manitoba.

For more information about MIIC's programs and services please contact Rita or Ms Emily Shane at 204 977 1000. Rita can be reached directly by email at ritac@miic.ca or by phone at 204 285 3384.

Premier Greg Selinger checked out the jams, jellies and fresh product at the opening of the 25th annual St. Norbert Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 1

 

June 1, 2013

MANITOBANS INVITED TO ENJOY PROVINCIAL HARVEST AT FARMERS' MARKETS THIS SUMMER: PREMIER

Manitobans are invited to take home and enjoy farm-fresh produce, new local food products and many other items from one of the dozens of farmers’ markets opening across the province, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the grand opening of the 25th season of Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.
“The number of farmers’ markets continues to grow and shows clearly that Manitobans are seeking out opportunities to reconnect with the people who grow our food,” said Selinger.  “Going to a farmers’ market helps us to better understand the province’s bountiful agriculture sector and connects us with the people who continue to take pride in creating unique, locally made items.”
The premier noted the market will begin the first phase of a $600,000 site-improvement project this year thanks to funding from all levels of government and community partners supporting facilities such as:

• a new community park east of the market,
• environmentallyresponsible improvementsto site drainage,
• improvements and beautification of site entrances,
• a new demonstration orchard,
• better seating areas for all visitors, and
• better pathways within the market and to adjacent properties.

“We’re proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary and thrilled that the support we’ve received means we’ll be able to offer a more enjoyable place for people to gather with friends and family, with better opportunities to support their local producers,” said Ken Kornelson, president of the market’s board of directors.
Since it opened in 1988, the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market has grown to 115 from eight vendors.  On busy Saturdays, nearly 10,000 people now visit the market during its five-month season.  All vendors must make, bake or grow their product.
“I would like to congratulate all of the organizers, vendors and community leaders who have helped the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market grow to be the success story it is today,” said Selinger.  “Celebrating the 25th anniversary as a trusted source of local products is a special milestone for the community and for our province.”

There are over 130 farmers’ markets, pre-picked market stands, U-pick vegetable gardens and community-supported agriculture sites in the province.  Manitobans are invited to find the ones closest to home with the updated 2013 Local Produce Guide, which includes helpful maps and detailed directions as well as the dates and times that each site will be open throughout the growing season.  For a copy, follow the link to the guide at www.manitoba.ca/agriculture or pick one up at any Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO office, Travel Manitoba’s tourism information centres or the Destination Winnipeg office.
The premier also announced the fourth annual Open Farm Day will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15.  Since it began, the number of host farms opening their gates to Manitobans has continued to increase.  There are 64 participating farms this year and 34 of them are first-time sites.  Last year, 51 farms across the province welcomed over 4,600 visitors.  For more information about Open Farm Day, visit www.openfarmday.ca.

- 30 -

May 30, 2013

PROVINCE INTRODUCES BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION BILL THAT WOULD REDUCE PUBLIC SUBSIDIES TO HORSE RACING

– – –
Legislative Changes would allow $5 million in Subsidies to be Redirected to Priorities of Manitoba Families: Ashton, Struthers

Bill 47, the budget implementation and tax statutes act (BITSA) was introduced today, which would implement various provisions of Budget 2013 including reducing public subsidies to horse racing by $5 million annually, Finance Minister Stan Struthers has announced.
To achieve these savings, the bill would eliminate the existing Manitoba Jockey Club video lottery terminals (VLT) agreement, which provides 100 per cent of VLT revenue to the Manitoba Jockey Club in the form of commissions and grants for its annual operations, Struthers said.  The Manitoba Jockey Club (MJC) would still have the opportunity to retain the 140 VLTs presently located at the Assiniboia Downs, on the basis of the same VLT commission structure as other regular commercial establishments, such as bars and restaurants, he added.
“The current agreement with the Manitoba Jockey Club is simply not good for Manitoba taxpayers,” said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for lotteries.  “We believe the right thing to do in these uncertain economic times is to redirect funding from horse racing into priorities like health care and education.”
Ashton said the bill includes legal protection for taxpayers against civil claims brought by MJC.
“We are not going to leave taxpayers on the hook as we end this agreement and offer the jockey club the same share of VLT revenue that other businesses receive,” he said.
“The horse racing industry in Manitoba must be sustainable and less dependent on public subsidies,” said Struthers.  “Gaming revenues support the services that Manitoba families depend on.  The courts have already agreed this revenue is no different and can be redirected through legislation.”
The bill would also make changes to the Pari-Mutuel Levy Act in order to dedicate 15 per cent of levy revenue to the consolidated fund, which would now be used to support the rural harness racing circuit in communities throughout the province.  The remaining 85 per cent of levy revenue would continue to be available through the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission to continue to support the horse racing industry including thoroughbred racing, Struthers said. 

“The Great Western Harness Racing Circuit is pleased to benefit from Manitoba’s continued support for rural racing,” said Roland Rey, president, Manitoba Standardbred Industry.  “These events provide tremendous benefit to many communities and support Manitoba’s homegrown horse breeding industry.”
Struthers said today’s legislation would come into effect in two phases:  changes to the VLT agreement would take effect 60 days following royal assent and changes to the Pari-Mutuel Levy Act would be effective for the 2014 racing season.

- 30 -

 

Premier Greg Selinger Officially Announces the Construction of Amber Trails a New School for Northwest Winnipeg

May 31, 2013

BUDGET 2013: BUILDING, IMPROVING MANITOBA SCHOOLS: PREMIER

– – –
Construction to Begin on Amber Trails Kindergarten to Grade 8 School to Serve Families in Northwest Winnipeg

Construction is now underway on Amber Trails, a kindergarten to Grade 8 school that will serve families in the northwest area of Winnipeg, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“In a little over a year’s time, there will be a modern, environmentally friendly school that will enhance the quality of learning for students living in the Amber Trails neighbourhood,” said Selinger.  “Northwest Winnipeg is a vibrant community, attracting new housing developments and a growing number of families each year.  This new school will not only provide students with a quality education but will bring families together as a gathering place for community events.”
As a result of funding in Budget 2013 and from the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan, construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2015. 
The 85,000-square-foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Standard school will respond to enrolment growth in northwest Winnipeg, the premier said, adding Amber Trails School will include a child-care centre that will provide a warm and caring environment for 64 infant and preschool students, 40 spaces for kindergarten/nursery, and before- and after-school students.
The premier said students attending the school will come from new housing developments in Amber Trails, West St. Paul and the Maples.
Amber Trails School will initially accommodate 625 students and could expand to have space for 800 students if needed in the future, he said.  Enrolment in Seven Oaks has increased by approximately 2,000 students since 2007.
“We are very excited for construction to begin,” said Edward Ploszay, chair, board of trustees, Seven Oaks School Division.  “This new school will help to alleviate overcrowding at four schools in the Maples area and will provide much needed daycare spaces, which is welcome news for families in this area.”
Since 1999, the Manitoba government has invested more than $845 million in public school capital projects including 18 new schools and 13 replacement schools, and has completed extensive renovations and additions to dozens of existing schools.

- 30 -

Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs marks World No Tobacco Day by announcing a pilot project to help patients at HSC stop smoking

May 31, 2013

PROVINCE INTRODUCES PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP HOSPITAL PATIENTS STOP SMOKING

– – –
Thousands of Patients could Benefit: Rondeau

The provincial government is investing in Manitoba families’ long-term health by launching a three-year pilot program to help hospital patients stop smoking, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
“Our government is helping Manitobans who smoke take the first steps towards quitting,” said Rondeau.  “Manitobans staying in hospitals will be able to meet with medical staff who will help them make healthier choices.”
The provincial government announced the allocation of $450,000 over three years for the pilot program today on World No Tobacco Day.  The pilot program will offer training to staff at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg to offer support to patients who want to stop smoking and give patients access to stop-smoking medications such as nicotine gum, a nicotine patch or drugs like Champix.  The program will also support patients after their hospital stay.  Up to 10,000 patients could benefit from this initiative, the minister noted.
“We want to learn how best to help people be comfortably smoke-free, whether it’s the options being offered for nicotine withdrawal or the way they are being offered,” said Margie Kvern, program specialist, tobacco reduction, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.  “That way we can build on our successes and have a real and long-lasting impact on our patients’ health.”
The minister said the benefits to a patient quitting smoking include:

• getting home from the hospital sooner,
• reduced risk of surgical infection,
• reduced risk of respiratory complications, and
• less likelihood of needing admission to intensive care.

Today’s announcement of $450,000 furthers the government’s commitment to allocate two per cent of tobacco taxes to tobacco control over the next four years.  Manitoba was the first province in Canada to implement a provincewide indoor smoking ban and many hospitals throughout Manitoba, including all Winnipeg hospitals, ban smoking on their grounds, Rondeau said. 

“MANTRA is supportive of all efforts to assist any smoker who would like to be smoke-free,” said Murray Gibson, executive director of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA).  “We are particularly pleased to see our health-care facilities reaching out to provide support during a hospital stay, and even more pleased to see that support continue when a patient returns to their community.”

- 30 -

 

Jobs

DIRECTOR

A St. Vital community based not-for-profit organization is seeking to hire a Director for their well established Employment Assistance program. 

The Director is responsible for the program’s wide strategic plan, development and delivery of the day to day program and services that support clients endeavours. The Director will oversee staff and delivery of operational objectives.  The successful candidate should be outgoing and personable with post secondary education, experience working in the not-for-profit sector, strong proposal writing skills with the ability to develop budgets and cash flows, excellent communication skills and strong multi-tasking and time management capabilities.  Experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds and able to work in collaboration with other stakeholders and external agencies is also important.

Application Deadline:  Noon, June 14, 2013 to joan@edgeinc.ca  or

Gerry at 533 St. Anne’s Road.  

Upcoming Event - Need Your Input

The Jamaican Association of MB; in conjunction with Shaw Cable are looking at providing a day or weekend workshop to provide information and opportunities with the technical side of Shaw Cable. Basically it would be a job fair sort of premise where you would have an opportunity to get a more hands-on look at the different career opportunities offered by Shaw. This project is directed towards people of visible minorities and/or who are new to this country.

The hope is to get leaders of our community groups to have their members come and participate with the program. This email is to see if there is an interest for this kind of project.  If you think this would be something you would like more information on please contact the project lead – Pat Moore by phone 204.254.3823 or via email pnbmoore@shaw.ca

Please forward this email to all your contacts that may be interested.

Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau (left) joined the celebrations launching the 2013 Commuter Challenge, encouraging Manitobans to leave their cars at home and choose healthy forms of transportation.

Premier Greg Selinger (right) today announced $5 million in provincial funding for the expansion of Molson Street. Dr. Tom Turgeon (left) with the Hip and Knee Replacement Clinic congratulated the premier on the project that will make access to the clinic safer and easier for patients

 

May 30, 2013

MANITOBA BUILDING AND RENEWAL PLAN INVESTS IN NORTHEAST WINNIPEG ROADS

– – –
Provincial Funding of $5 Million for Molson Street Twinning Project Included: Premier

Residents of Winnipeg will soon experience a safer and smoother drive with improved traffic flow through the vibrant residential and commercial northeast sector of the city as the result of provincial investments to improve critical infrastructure, including the twinning of Molson Street, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Safe, well-maintained roads are important to Manitoba families, and the Molson Street-Panet Road area is an essential route.  That’s why we are investing in projects like this one through the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan,” said Selinger.  “Enhancements to Winnipeg’s streets and roads are vital to the continued well-being of our residential communities and the businesses that serve them.”
The premier noted the province is contributing $5 million to the Molson Street project.  The total cost of the project is $10 million and is funded in partnership with the city, which has already announced its funding.  Work is scheduled to begin this summer and will result in reconstruction of Molson Street and Panet Road between Munroe Avenue and Concordia Avenue, turning the street into a four-lane divided roadway.
The project also includes the addition of separate left-turn lanes and right-turn cut-offs at the Concordia intersection to help with traffic flow, bike lanes in both directions, sidewalks on both sides and other active transportation amenities, landscaping and improved land drainage.  The project is expected to be completed in 2014, Selinger said.
Funding for the Molson twinning project is in addition to a $19-million provincial investment that will result in improvements to 47 city streets this year, including the following in northeast Winnipeg:

• Watt Street from Sydney Avenue to Bronx Avenue,
• Brazier Street from Jamison Avenue to Donalda Avenue,
• Dunrobin Avenue from Raleigh Street to Golspie Street,      
• Fraser’s Grove from Henderson Highway to Woodvale Street,
• Kildare Avenue from Brewster Street to Plessis Road,
• Walden Crescent from Blue Heron Crescent to Victoria Avenue East,
• Grandview Street from Irving Place to Henderson Highway, and
• Irving Place from Henderson Highway to Grandview Street.

Budget 2013 doubles the level of provincial funding available to repair residential streets in Winnipeg from $7 million to $14 million.  Beyond this commitment, the province is providing additional funding for larger priority projects such as the Molson Street twinning, the premier said.
Residents in this area will also soon see construction start on the new Plesiss Road twinning and underpass project.

- 30 -

May 30, 2013

JACKSON KATZ JOINS PROVINCE TO PROMOTE BREAK THE SILENCE CAMPAIGN

Jackson Katz, a well-respected educator, author and co-founder of a violence prevention program used by the American military and several professional sports leagues, is in Winnipeg to help the province promote its multi-year domestic violence prevention strategy, Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
Katz will help reinforce the province’s campaign message that men need to join the stand against violence inflicted on women, she said.
“Our multi-year strategy encouraging male role models has been widely embraced by many
high-profile men including members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and our guest speaker Jackson Katz,” said Howard.  “We appreciate their support in promoting the Break the Silence message.”
Katz presented a lecture on An Evening with Men:  Solutions to End Violence in Winnipeg yesterday.
Today, Katz appeared at a Sport Manitoba workshop for Sport Manitoba executive and staff.  This will be followed by the Break the Silence luncheon at the Legislative Dining Room where he will meet with MLAs, city councillors, business leaders and Winnipeg Blue Bomber board members among other guests.
Howard noted the province launched an Aboriginal component to the campaign earlier this year with the message ‘End violence against Aboriginal women and girls’ being promoted through a public awareness campaign.  The promotion, supported in partnership with a variety of First Nations groups, encourages Aboriginal men to speak out against domestic violence.
The province has also developed a significant inventory of Blue Bomber video clips in both French and English, encouraging men of all ages to understand the message that violence against women under any circumstance is not acceptable.  Information about the campaign and new videos by Blue Bombers are available at www.manitoba.ca/stoptheviolence.

Jackson Katz - Ted Talk - Gender Violence and more

http://youtu.be/KTvSfeCRxe8

Education Minister Nancy Allan participates in ribbon cutting ceremony at Landmark Elementary School for a new greenhouse which was supported in part by the province. Left to right: Randy Hildebrand (Board Chair, Hanover School Division), Val Ginter (Principal, Landmark School) and Russ Dirks (teacher, Landmark School) Nancy Allan, Minister of Education

 

 

Arlene Wilgosh (WRHA), Minister of Health Theresa Oswald, Premier Greg Selinger, Carolyn Strutt (WRHA), Dr. Murray Enns (WRHA), Craig Heisinger (Wpg Jets),Kathleen Crosby (Artist) and Nigel Bart (Artbeat) celebrate the opening of the new Crisis Response Centre at the Health Sciences Centre

May 28, 2013

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE CENTRE TO PROVIDE CRITICAL HELP DURING TIMES OF NEED: PREMIER

– – –
First-of-its-kind Centre in Canada Officially Opens June 3

Manitobans who need urgent help when experiencing a mental health crisis will now be able to easily access the care they need, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the official opening of the Mental Health Crisis Response Centre (CRC).
“Families dealing with a mental health crisis no longer have to go to an emergency room for care as we open Canada’s first dedicated facility for mental health crises and emergencies,” said Selinger. “Highly skilled mental health professionals will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those who need them.”
Every year, over 10,000 people visit Winnipeg emergency rooms (ERs) for mental health crises, with less than 15 per cent requiring hospitalization. The new Mental Health CRC will accommodate at least 10,000 patient visits and will be closely linked with Health Sciences Centre ER.
“This centre of excellence in mental health care will mean a lot to Manitobans,” Health Minister Theresa Oswald said. “With nearly one in four Manitobans experiencing mental illness in his or her lifetime, this resource will be an invaluable service to those who need it.”
Over 35 mental health professionals will work together at the CRC to provide services such as integrated mental health assessment, crisis intervention and mental health crisis treatment. They will also connect patients to key resources for appropriate followup care as needed.
Craig Heisinger, assistant general manager of the Winnipeg Jets and an advocate for mental health issues, called the CRC an invaluable resource.
“Ensuring people in crisis have a place to turn to when they need help will prevent tragic outcomes for Canadian families,” he said.
Heisinger developed a close friendship with Rick Rypien who played off and on from 2004 to 2011 for the Manitoba Moose where Heisinger served as general manger.  Rypien, who also played for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, suffered from depression and took his own life in August of 2011, shortly before he would have started with the Winnipeg Jets.

Arlene Wilgosh, president and CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), thanked Heisinger for his comments and for attending the announcement.
“Timely access to a variety of crisis service options reduces unnecessary hospitalization and improves the quality of life for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.It is important for these individuals to have both a place to easily access help, but also to have the support of those around them – their families and people like Mr. Heisinger.”
Dr. Murray Enns, medical director, Adult Mental Health Program,said the centre, the first of its kind in Canada, will meet the unique needs of its clients.
“Providing an accessible, safe environment for people experiencing a mental health crisis is vital to their treatment,” he said.“The emergency department, by its nature, cannot provide the calm and supportive environment that is ideal for working through a mental health crisis. The CRC can.”
The idea for the centre was born out of recommendations from individuals who have experienced a mental health crisis and their families, from service providers and from Emergency Care Task Force members, all of whom expressed a need to provide those working through a mental health crisis with an alternative to the emergency room.
The crisis response centre will also provide individuals with mental health issues, and those with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, with links and referrals to specialized treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
The centre is designed to be a central access point for adults experiencing a mental health crisis and expressing concerns such as:

•     personal distress and the risk of potential harm associated with an immediate crisis including suicidal behaviour;
•     signs and symptoms of a condition requiring urgent mental health assessment and treatment;
•     intense emotional trauma where assessment, crisis intervention and linkage to other services can occur; and  
•     an immediate risk after hours when the ongoing mental health service provider is not available.

The new centre will also be home base to the Adult Mobile Crisis Service, which currently provides crisis intervention and suicide-prevention services to 10,000 adults in Winnipeg every year.
The new Mental Health Crisis Response Centre is located on the corner of Bannatyne Avenue and Tecumseh Street and was built with $12.3 million in health infrastructure funding from the Manitoba government.

 - 30 -

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

This email is sent on behalf of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council

On May 29, 2013 Henry Morgentaler, a committed activist and crusader for women’s reproductive rights, passed away at the age of 90. Mr. Morgentaler was a trailblazer in the eyes of many Canadians. His advocacy efforts to legalize abortion services in Canada empowered generations of women with this fundamental right, and resulted in the creation of a system of safe abortion access for Canadian women.

Mr. Morgentaler’s lobbying efforts included appearing before a federal judicial committee in support of legalizing abortion and bringing forward the Supreme Court case which ultimately struck down Canada’s abortion law as unconstitutional. He also worked towards universal access by establishing abortion clinics across Canada, including in Winnipeg in 1983. He received the Order of Canada in 2008, recognizing his contributions to health care reform for women.

Mr. Morgentaler’s work was rooted in deep compassion and a sense of justice for women’s right to safe and adequate reproductive health services. His legacy will live on through the enduring impact of his legal reforms, and by the future generations of women who now have this fundamental right.   

Education Minister Nancy Allan and Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard meet with staff of the Rainbow Resource Centre after announcing the development of resources to support gay-straight alliances in Manitoba schools.

May 27, 2013

PROVINCE PARTNERS TO DEVELOP RESOURCES THAT SUPPORT GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCES IN SCHOOLS

The provincial government is partnering with Egale Canada Human Rights Trust to develop resources that will help schools establish gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and create safer schools for all Manitoba students, Education Minister Nancy Allan announced today.
“Manitoba has been at the forefront in Canada in taking action to prevent bullying.  Today we want to give students more power and the right tools they need to create a more caring and inclusive school for all students,” said Allan.  “This new resource will support Bill 18 which will require all schools to accommodate students who want to form GSAs.”
Allan noted the number of GSAs in Manitoba has grown quickly during the past few years.  In 2009, there were only two in the province but by 2012 there were approximately 35 and there are currently about 60 in operation or in the process of being developed this year.
The province will partner with Egale Canada Human Rights Trust to develop Safe and Caring Schools:  A Resource for Equity and Inclusion in Manitoba schools(MyGSA).
Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, located in Toronto, is Canada’s only national charity promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-human rights through research, education and community engagement.
“We are delighted to be working with the Government of Manitoba on this initiative,” said Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale.  “We are very proud of this government’s commitment to safe and caring schools for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The resource guide will provide foundational resources and will contain specific sections with information tailored to youth, educators, guidance counsellors and administrators in secondary schools as well as extensive directories and references relating to role models, symbols, terms and concepts, and community services.  The resource guide will include:

• tools for assessing school climate;
• a step-by-step guide to establishing a GSA or lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer(LGBTQ) safer space at school;
• information and activities regarding the creation of safer school communities;
• information, strategies and ideas to help educators create and maintain safer school communities;
• information on challenges frequently faced by LGBTQ youth and their families;
• information on best practices for counsellors working with LGBTQ youth;
• data and analysis explaining the significance of educator-initiated safer schools work; and
• information on Manitoba legislation and policy regarding safe and inclusive schools.

In December 2012, the province consulted with the Safe Schools Manitoba Advisory Council, which recommended that government develop safe and caring school resources to support GSAs in schools.  The council encouraged developing a resource kit in collaboration with Egale Canada.
Egale has already partnered with Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop equity and inclusive education resource kits.
Other actions the province has taken to stop bullying include:

• 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;
• providing new resources and supports to educate parents, teachers and students to help them identify, prevent and deal with bullying; and 
• 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.

“Let us all continue to work together to prevent bullying,” said Allan.  “We must ensure all students feel safe and respected in the schools they attend.”
Manitoba’s resource material will build on existing resources but will be tailored to Manitoba students, she said, adding the resources will be available to both public and funded, independent schools in the 2013-14 school year in both English and French.

- 30 -

May 24, 2013

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

– – –
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.

- 30 -

May 21, 2013

NEW LEGISLATION WOULD HELP MANITOBA GOVERNMENT FIGHT FOR BETTER DRUG PRICES, DRUG SUPPLY: OSWALD

Proposed legislation would give the Manitoba government new tools to fight for more competitive drug prices and a more reliable drug supply for Manitoba families, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“We want to ensure Manitoba continues to get drug prices that are competitive with other jurisdictions,” said Oswald.  “The competitive drug pricing act would give Manitoba Health officials the tools they need to negotiate fair, competitive prices for drugs while also ensuring those drugs are available in Manitoba for patients when they need them.”
The proposed amendments would support the government’s ongoing work to achieve more competitive generic drug pricing, the minister said.  Manitoba Health would have the authority to cancel a product listing agreement with a drug manufacturer if it isn’t able to supply the drug in Manitoba.  The legislation would also allow for the removal of a generic manufacturer’s drug from the pharmacare formulary if, for example, another manufacturer is offering lower pricing or if there are matters of public interest such as potential safety or quality issues with a specific drug.
The provincial government has worked to broaden the number of generic versions of prescription drugs, which save money for Manitoba families and reduce provincial drug costs, said Oswald.  According to the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, generic drugs accounted for 65.1 per cent of prescriptions in Manitoba in 2011, the highest use of generics in Canada.
“Over the last year, we have negotiated lower generic drug prices that will save Manitoba families and the provincial government over $30 million,” said Oswald.  “By negotiating lower drug prices under pharmacare, we’re able to reinvest those savings to offer better drug coverage under pharmacare and the new Home Cancer Drug Program.”
Pharmacare is a universal prescription drug program for Manitobans, with benefits based on family income.  It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the income-based deductible is reached regardless of medical condition or age.  More information about the Manitoba Pharmacare Program is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare.

- 30 -