Biodiesel mandate begins

A provincial mandate that all gasoline sold in the province contain at least two per cent biodiesel came into effect Nov. 1.

Starting around summer 2010, consumers will be able to find biodiesel at gas stations, with two per cent being blended with regular diesel at pumps across the province. Premier Greg Selinger expects the biodiesel mandate will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road.

The premier also plans to fund local production of biodiesel in the near future.

Heart and Stroke kicks off CPR month

The most important month of the year for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba (HSFM) has arrived, and by using both old and new ideas, they hope to raise awareness during 2009’s CPR Month in November.

One of the priorities is to push Manitoba businesses to buy Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). AEDs used along with CPR in the first three minutes of cardiac arrest improves the victim’s chances of survival by 75 per cent. HSFM hopes businesses will make AEDs as commonplace as fire extinguishers.

HSFM is also starting a “Tree for Life” program for schools, which will train 800 children and their families in CPR with personal training kits.

Province tries to educate patients of their rights

The province has launched a campaign to educate patients and families about proper procedures following unexpected incidents that seriously impact a patient’s health. New posters and pamphlets explain that patients have a right to be informed if they are involved in a critical incident. This is part of the implementation of the Canadian Disclosure Guidelines, which were meant to improve transparency in the health-care system and to help hospitals learn and grow from their mistakes.

Couple charged for improvising liquor

A couple owning a West End convenience store has been charged with selling hairspray and mouthwash as intoxicating substances, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

After a search warrant was issued on Oct. 29, the man, 61, and the woman, 59, were found to be selling beverages with the above substances as liquor, along with selling cigarettes in packs less than 20. The couple has promised to appear in court.

Bombers announce CFL awards nominees

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have announced their nominees for the CFL awards, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

Once again defensive lineman Doug Brown is a multiple nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian. Cornerback Jovon Johnson is another defensive nominee, both for Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

In addition to these two, guard Brendon LaBatte is nominated for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and Jonathon Heffney for Most Outstanding Rookie.

The awards will be handed out Thursday, Nov. 26.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)