Local News Briefs

CanWest approaching bankruptcy

Izzy Asper’s former corporation is scrambling to find investors to avoid bankruptcy.

Without additional support, the Asper family could lose control of CanWest Global Communications, which owns Global Television and the National Post, reported CBC news.

The company, founded in the early 1970s, owes $3.9 billion in debt.

Canadians want to believe

While the existence of extraterrestrials may still be a toss-up, Canadians claimed to see more Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in 2008 than any other recorded year in history.

According to CBC news, Canadians reported 1,004 sightings last year, up 25 per cent from the previous year’s total. A group of Winnipeg-based volunteer scientists, Ufology Research, recorded all the sightings.

While the increased sightings may point to a rise in UFO occurrences, they could also just reflect increased military flights mistaken for flying saucers, said Ufology Research spokesperson Chris Rutkowski.

Property-tax freeze may not stay

For the 12th straight time, the Winnipeg city budget, drafted this year by Mayor Sam Katz, calls for a property-tax freeze.

But the municipal balance hasn’t quite matched up yet due to missing provincial contributions, reported Winnipeg Free Press. The city is now waiting to see if the recession-affected Government of Manitoba can come up with the $15.1 million needed.

Small business also stand to gain from the existing budget, with tax cuts affecting one-third of all Winnipeg businesses.

If the province comes up with the money, Winnipeg will have the lowest property taxes of any major Canadian city.

Hometown Manitoba thinking green

Let the race for the greenest community begin.

The Government of Manitoba will be offering grants of up to $5,000 for municipalities or communities who plant trees in public areas in 2009 through the Hometown Manitoba program.

Also, up to $1,000 will be offered to small businesses that beautify their building exteriors or signage with plant life and greenery.

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuck said in a provincial press release that growing trees “adds vibrancy and renews local enthusiasm.”

Provincial by-election dates in place

With two traditionally new democratic ridings waiting in the wings, Premier Gary Doer has set dates for not only the by-elections in Elmwood and The Pas, but also the provincial budget.

The polls will open in the two aforementioned ridings on Mar. 24. The provincial budget will be tabled the day after, on Mar. 25.

Many have anticipated the budget to see how Manitoba will deal locally with the ongoing Canadian recession.

While acknowledging the last year has been difficult, Doer told the Winnipeg Free Press the province’s diverse economy will keep Manitobans’ heads above water in the months to come.

Published in Volume 63, Number 21 of The Uniter (February 26, 2009)

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