CRA releases tax tips for students

With the 2009 tax-filing season just around the corner, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) is reminding students to take advantage of the new and existing tax benefits available to them. Students may be able to claim benefits for money they’ve spent on textbooks, tuition, moving expenses, bus passes, child care and even the interest on their student loans. Remember that eligibility for some programs depend on which province or territory you live in. For more information on the benefits, credits and deductions you may qualify for, visit www.cra.gc.ca/students

Exhibit celebrates Manitobans making waves worldwide

The U of W will be hosting “Global Citizens: Manitobans Working Together for a Better World” from now until Monday, April 5 at the Hamilton Galleria in the library. The exhibit explores Manitoba’s role in the international community, while honouring the efforts of individual Manitobans who are working to improve and save lives in the developing world. The exhibit was launched by Gary Doer in the spring of 2009 and has been touring the province ever since. The event is being organized by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC).

Business students go hungry, homeless

Five students from the Asper School of Business are taking part in “Five Days for the Homeless” at the U of M campus from Sunday, March 14 to Friday, March 19. They are hoping to collect cash and food donations, as well as raise awareness on the issue of homelessness. The students are not permitted to shower or sleep indoors and can eat only what they receive through charity, but they are still expected to attend classes. Proceeds raised will go to Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), a local organization which assists at-risk youth. “Five Days for Homelessness” began as a charity campaign at the University of Alberta in 2005. This year, students from 15 Canadian universities will participate.

PIPE, U of W applaud medical isotope funding

The 2010 federal budget has promised $48 million in funding over two years for medical isotope research, a decision welcomed by both the University of Winnipeg and the Prairie Isotope Production Enterprise (PIPE). PIPE was formed in 2009, after the appointment of a federal panel on medical isotopes. The organization proposes that the medical isotope, Molybdenum-99, be produced here in Manitoba using an electron accelerator. Jeff Martin, U of W physicist and leading PIPE team member, claims that if implemented, the PIPE proposal would increase stability in medical isotope supplies, as well as the diversity of medical isotopes available.

Kinesiology students #1 at national competition, win a shoe

On the first weekend in March, 20 students from U of W competed at the 15th annual Kinesiology Games in Guelph, Ont. The “Kin Games” are the largest student-organized kinesiology conference in Canada, and include both physical and academic challenges. The U of W team earned top honours over the weekend, beating out 16 other universities, including York and McGill. Their prize: “The Shoe,” a trophy which looks just the way it sounds, awarded each year to the team which best demonstrates athleticism, spirit and sportsmanship.

Published in Volume 64, Number 23 of The Uniter (March 18, 2010)