Winnipeg gets a weekend’s worth of free stuff

For every Winnipegger who has dreamed of a free-for-all weekend for getting everything you’ve ever needed, the City of Winnipeg is about to provide in a big way. According to CTV Winnipeg, the city’s first “Giveaway Weekend” will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.

The idea behind it is simple. Leave your unwanted items on the curb, then wait for others to come claim them, free of charge. The city has touted it as a “great opportunity” and has provided a list of etiquette to make sure the weekend sails smoothly.
For more info, call 311 or email [email protected].

Manitoba bans trans fats in schools

In a story that might depress those who appreciated having a deep fried lunch, the provincial government recently announced a ban on the sale of foods with high levels of trans fats in schools. Under the new rules, school boards will not approve the sale of foods where trans fats exceed five per cent of the total fat content. Exceptions have been made for lunches brought from home and special lunches provided by the school.

Manitoba declares September “Literacy Month”

To raise awareness of illiteracy among Manitoban adults, the provincial government has announced that September 2009 will be “Literacy Month.” There will be a new adult literacy strategy to go alongside it. Literacy minister Diane McGifford announced that $464,000 will be invested into a strategy to provide easier access to literacy programs, offer enhanced training for instructors and to promote literacy through additional partnerships and incentives. This money comes from a deal struck between Manitoba and the federal government in May, which provides $34 million for strategic training and transition funds through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Province makes further preparations for H1N1

In what has easily been the largest global health concern in the last year, the H1N1 virus will be going up against a renewed defense here in Manitoba. The province is putting up $47 million to fund a new five-point plan to both raise awareness and help fight the virus.
Health minister Theresa Oswald has allocated most of the money to purchase, store and distribute a vaccine for H1N1. Other efforts receiving support include the distribution of antiviral solutions and the provision of additional supplies for health care providers.

Support increased for those with FASD

For those who have been affected by the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), Manitoba is extending a helping hand. Family services and housing minister Gord Mackintosh announced $1.6 million would be put into improving access to diagnostic services and expanding resources for those with FASD. Most of the funding will be going to the Manitoba FASD Centre, which provides services to youth who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol from a young age.

The money will be provided by Healthy Child Manitoba and Changes for Children.

Published in Volume 64, Number 3 of The Uniter (September 17, 2009)