The New Yam Festival

Each year at this time, the Annual Igbo New-Yam Festival and Appreciation Night is held. Tonight, Marty Dolin was honoured for his work with refugees in Manitoba. Congratulations Marty.

The Festival was put on by the Dinamba Intercultural Association of Manitoba. The festival was brought to Winnipeg from Nigeria where the coming of the Yams is an important turning point in the year - as our Thanksgiving Day celebrates the harvest here in Canada.

Naomi and I attended. In the photo I am shown with Buchi Nnadi, one of the MCs. Buchi is showing off her colourful festival costume.

Gangs and violence - a missed opportunity

Sometimes it is hard to rain on someone's parade, especially when their intentions seem good, but I see yesterday's announcement by Gord Mackintosh and the Gary Doer NDP was a missed opportunity. For six years, the NDP have been adding more policemen and more crown prosecutors and the problems with crime have got worse not better. It is time to pay a lot more attention to preventing crime.

Let me give you one example. Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of the criminals in gangs and on our streets may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or other mental illness. We don't know precisely what proportion, but evidence on studies of criminals in Saskatchewn suggests that as high as 50% of criminals may have some form of mental illness.

We also know that individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome have difficulty telling right from wrong. We need to be diagnosing and treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorders much more effectively as part of the effort to reduce crime. There is a suggestion from Dr. Jo Nanson's work in Saskatchewan that early diagnosis and help for these children may make it much less likely for children with FASD to become criminals. If true, we need to be doing much more along this line to prevent the development of criminals.

In Manitoba, we should certainly be doing much better in prompt diagnosis and treatment of mental illness as part of the effort to reduce crime. Why wasn't Tim Sale the Minister of Health at the announcement yesterday? He should have been there to bring an approach to reducing crime which includes much better diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The long waiting list (or a waiting list so long it is essentially a non-existent waiting list) for the PACT program is just unacceptable.

Marty Dolin speaking tonight at the Dinamba Intercultural Assocation of Manitoba made the same point in talking about the need to address other factors which lead to crime including the high rates of poverty in Manitoba, and as well much better integration of refugees into our society.

The photo shows me at the announcement yesterday at the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre on Langside. I was being interviewed to make the point that the Mackintosh -Doer - NDP approach is not good enough.

No fire in the belly - which farm field would you like?

The lead editorial in the Winnipeg Free Press yesterday commented that "After six years in office this government has no fire in its belly and no evident governing purpose."

This is clearly evident in many areas of the throne speech. But it is certainly true in agriculture. One of the huge problems this year was that wet weather wreaked havoc with farming because many fields were too wet to seed, and many fields that were seeded did very poorly because of the wet conditions. We would have expected that the government would come forward with some ideas to try to deal with such wet situations in the future. It was not there.

As I pointed out in my blog on Sept 19 and 20, fields which were tile drained, almost without exception, did dramatically better than those fields which were not tile drained. For some areas in Manitoba this is a solution. Indeed, a farmer from just west of Portage la Prairie who has invested in tile drainage and reaped the benefits was saying recently "if you are going to stay in farming here, you need to use tile drainage." Was there any mention of tile drainage in the throne speech? No. Was there even any vision for how to improve water management and reduce risks to farmers? No.

The bottom photo shows a field on tile drained land north-west of Portage la Prairie with a good crop of canola. The middle photo shows a very poor canola crop growing immediately on the other side of a small farm lane from the top photo on land which was not tile drained - and only about 40 feet from the field shown at the bottom. The top photo shows another field seeded to canola which was not on tile drained land. The field has more weeds than canola, and was not worth harvesting. Tile drainage may not be a panacea, but it can sure make a difference - and when there are approaches which can make such a big difference we should have a government which is ready to understand better what is happening with Manitoba agriculture and provide a better vision for the future.

Equality is not divisible - the LEAF breakfast

One thousand people turned out this morning to listen to Dr. Fiona Sampson and Rita Deverell.
Fiona is a lawyer with LEAF. Rita was a founder and CEO of Vision TV and recent executive producer of Aboriginal People's Television Network.

This was the breakfast for LEAF, the Legal Education and Action Fund. Dr. Sampson reviewed the successes and failures of LEAF's 20 years of activities to promote women's equality. Rita, who grew up in Texas, compared the progress to the Texas two step - one step forward and one step backward - but with enough forward progress to keep things moving. Rita described the giant leap forward in Manitoba in 1916 when women received the vote, thanks to the efforts of Nellie McClung and many others. But she noted that Nellie McClung, then, still saw equality as divisible - with not all women being treated equal. Rita's message for today was that equality is not divisible. While praising Nellie McClung, she emphasized that today equality is for all.

The top photo shows Dr. Fiona Sampson speaking at the LEAF breakfast. Below, I am talking to Rita Deverell after the breakfast.

The throne speech - it was an odd one

Throne speech number seven for the Doer government was delivered today. It was an odd speech. It began with glowing comments on the dyke around the southern parts of Lake Winnipeg. It was an odd choice to start with since there has been a lot of controversy over whether this $8 million expenditure was appropriate or necessary (see my blog Sept 27). It was odd to have the important issue of safety in our streets and communities buried in the middle of a relatively unimpressive throne speech.

It was odd that there was no mention of any follow through on the government's own 20/20 vision report which provided recommendations on dealing with the major and continuing problems with roads and highways around Manitoba. This report, which was several years in the making, seems to have been relegated to the dustbin.

It was odd to not have any mention of the Lowlands National Park, the World Heritage Site or any plans to contain the major toxic waste which continues to leak into Kississing Lake.

Oddest of all was the government's decision to hold a major press conference on hydro power the day of the throne speech. Was the throne speech so bad that it needed such an announcement to cover up its deficiencies? Normally a government is so proud of its throne speech that it would never think of doing a major announcement on the same day, because it might take away from the throne speech itself.

Oh, and for those from Fort Whyte constituency, there was no mention of Victoria Hospital, the linear park or a new high school.

Retired teachers and fairness

At noon today, retired teachers were out in force. Several hundred arrived on the steps of the legislature from all over the province. All they are asking for is fairness when the government deals with their pensions. The NDP have had several opportunities to address this issue fairly, but so far have failed. It was a big rally, and the retired teachers certainly made their point well.

The photos above are from the Rally. In the bottom one, I am standing with Dr. Alice Cheatley, one of the retired teachers, during the parade in front of the legislative steps.

The Victoria Hospital - will it be in the throne speech

During the last year, the Victoria Hospital has been much in the news. Two years ago, the NDP promised they would keep the wonderful low risk maternity ward at Victoria Hospital open. Earlier this year the NDP closed this ward. It created a hue and cry in south Winnipeg. Many mothers and expectant mothers were upset, and I sure heard from them. They are still upset - particularly mothers who had experienced the joys of delivering at the Victoria Hospital and then experienced problems when they were transferred to be delivered at St. Boniface Hospital.

Shortly after the Gary Doer NDP closed the maternity ward at the Victoria Hospital, they said they were looking to develop a midwifery unit at Victoria Hospital. Is this another NDP mirage, or will there be an announcement in the throne speech tomorrow? We will wait to see.

The photo above shows Dr. Jean Paterson standing in front of the Emergency Room at the Victoria Hospital. Jean is the Liberal candidate in the upcoming by-election in Fort Whyte and she is vigilantly keeping an eye out for the interests of people in south Winnipeg.

Jean is also going to be watching the throne speech closely to see if there is any mention of the linear park she is pushing for (see blog note on October 16), or a new high school for the Fort Whyte constituency.

Creative Retirement

Today I attended the annual luncheon for Creative Retirement Manitoba. This is an organization which is providing wonderful opportunities for seniors. Two Ageless Heroes Awards were presented. The first, the Love of Learning Award, was presented to Marcel Pelletier for his many years of teaching oral French as a volunteer. As one of his students said: "One of Marcel's gifts is that he encourages people to find the joy of learning something new every day." The second award, the Bridging the Generations Award, was presented to Betty Rudd of Snow Lake. The citation said "Through her work with skating clubs, her encouragement of youth to volunteer at the Auxiliary's second hand shop and at the local Museum, and her support of the Youth Justice Committee of the RCMP, Betty has earned the respect of the community both young and old."

Congratulations to Betty Rudd and Marcel Pelletier, and to the other nominees - the Alcoa Peer Speakers Burreau, John Buchanan, Leo Reidke, John Bailey, John Boittiaux, Margaret Crackness, Roy Finnen, Lucien Loh, Joyce MacDonnell, Myrtle Miancko and Jo Millard.

The top photo shows me with Betty Rudd and Lucien Loh. The bottom photo shows Anne and Walter Skuba, Fred and Natalie Chernoff, Margaret Cracknell and Ruth Martinson at the luncheon. Anne Skuba and Fred Chernoff were nominated as part of the team of the Alcoa Peer Speakers Bureau.

If you would like more information about Creative Retirement Manitoba visit their web site at http://www.crm.mb.ca

I got an earful - the PACT program and the vanished waiting list

Last night I joined a mental health support group at the Christ the King Families Church and I got an earful. One of the items I heard a lot about was the PACT program, the Program of Assertive Community Treatment. It is a mental health program which provides treatment, support and rehabilitative services to people with severe and persistent mentally illness. This model was originally developed in Wisconsin and has proved extraordinarily effective. Before starting in this program, patients were averaging 78 days in hospital a year. After being in this program, they were doing so much better they were needing only (on average) 9 hospital days a year. Manitoba has one PACT team. But based on the situation in Ontario which has about 60 PACT teams, we concluded earlier this year that Manitoba should have 4-6 PACT teams (see Liberal minority report on Healthy Kids at http://www.manitobaliberals.ca Indeed one PACT team in Manitoba proved so inadequate and the waiting list so long - that the waiting list was made to vanish (NDP magic?). This absolutely incensed the folks I met with last night. Many of the people they care about need the PACT program and can't get in. It is clearly time to put in place the 4-6 PACT teams needed for the province of Manitoba and to help those who desperately need this care.

Isora Van Dreser

Last night, at the vigil at the Legislature, person after person came forward to the microphone to talk about their loved one who had been killed. It was a stark reminder that we need some fundamental changes in Winnipeg to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

One person who stood out was Peter Koroma. Representing the black community in Winnipeg, Peter spoke eloquently of the need to ensure we have much better help for newly arrived immigrants and their children so that they do not get involved with gangs.

There are many other changes needed as well, and many other suggestions made which need to be followed through.

Thank you Isora Van Dreser for the effort you and your family and friends made to put on this vigil. I know you are still hurting. I was amazed at your ability to rally people so soon after Philippe's death. Well done.

We all need to come together now and to do our part to achieve a safer Winnipeg.

The 60th Anniversary of the United Nations

In a ceremony today at the Manitoba Legislature, we marked the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Awards were presented to Cassandra Shahinfar, Kaira Bakkestad-Legare, Megan Fultz, Christine Paille, Lauren Marshall, Lauryn Pizey-Allen, Caroline Crawford and Shelagh Pizey-Allen. In my view, one of the major advances this year, for the United Nations, was the agreement to support the principle of the "Responsibility to Protect" - see the note on my blog for October 17. I think, years from now, people will remember this year as the year when this idea - put forward by Canadians - was adopted by the United Nations. Congratulations to Ashok Athavale, the President of the United Nations Association of Canada - Winnipeg and to the others who helped in ensuring this cermony took place.

In the photo, I am shown with Kaira Bakkestad-Legare, one of the award winners. Kaira was at Robert H. Smith school in River Heights last year, and is going to River Heights Junior High School this year. Congratulations to Kaira and to the teachers at Robert H. Smith School where Kaira was when she gave the award winning speech.

Dr. Jean Paterson - her credentials - and Vic Grant

Dr. Jean Paterson, our Liberal candidate in the upcoming provincial by-election in Fort Whyte constituency has impressive credentials. Jean has been involved in teaching and in neuroscience research at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba for many years. She has been nominated more than once for teaching awards because of her ability to connect with students and help them learn. But in addition to this she has been a member or helped out with a wide variety of volunteer and community based organizations. These include the Waverley West Residents Association, Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba, the Canadian Association for Women in Science, the Fort Whyte Centre for Environmental Education, the Canadian Shetland Sheepdog Association, the Winnipeg Humane Society, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a number of others.

Jean's credential have impressed Vic Grant CJOB News Director who said on CJOB: "I'm imagining myself living in the Fort Whyte constituency just for the provincial by-election. I think I'd have my vote already cast even though Premier Gary Doer has been dragging his feet on setting a date." After listing Jean's credentials, Vic Grant went on to say "I'm certainly not a Liberal, but these credentials would certainly have me second-guessing on whether to vote for a Doctor Jean Paterson. She's a new face and a new voice. Can you imagine if she can live up to what her credentials suggest."

The photos show Jean in a University of Manitoba classroom and out in the community.

The Western Canada Aviation Museum and Out of the Blue

Last night, my son Charles and I were at the Out of the Blue dinner to support the activities of the Western Canada Aviation Museum (WCAM). The dinner's title refers to flying up in the blue sky. Charles has long been a fan of Richard Bach and his novels, like Jonathan Livingstone Seagull. A Snowboard instructor, Charles loves the high mountains and the blue skies, and he lives riding his board and flying through the air. Once, we went snowboarding and skiing together to the top of the highest lift at Lake Louise - and looked around at the wonderful view. "Welcome to my office" said Charles. I can understand why this is his passion.

But last night, we were there to honour the many Canadian aviators who have been pioneers. Few people realize the incredible role that Winnipeg played in the development of aviation history. This museum tells some of the stories. And when the Museum moves to its new site near the new airport terminal (in about 2012) travellers through the Winnipeg International Airport will have easy access to these stories and to the historic planes which have been restored. Well done to all those who have been involved with the Western Canada Aviation Museum, to Bruce Emberley WCAM President, Shirley Render - Executive Director, to Bob Cunningham and Audrey Vanderwater the Dinner co-chairs and to all their committee members.

The top photos show the scene at the dinner which was inside the Western Canada Aviation Museum among the gaily decorated planes. The bottom photo shows Charles and me in front of one of the Canadian Airways planes which was used extensively for many years starting in the 1920s and 1930s.

Reader's of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull will remember near the end when Jonathan says: "Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly." In politics, as in flight, sometimes we need to look beyong the road blocks, and to use our imagination and creativity to find a way to achieve a better future for Manitobans.

Firefighters and Muscular Dystrophy

Friday evening, Naomi and I were at the 3oth Annual Fire Fighters Charity Banquet and Ball. The Firefighters goal was to raise money for muscular dystrophy. We were there to salute the efforts of Manitoba's Fire Fighters, and to support them in raising money for those with muscular dystrophy. It is not well appreciated that Fire Fighters, because of their exposure to smoke and to various toxins generated in burning buildings, are more susceptible to some forms of cancer. This occupational hazard has now been recognized in Manitoba under the Worker's Compensation Act. When a fire fighter develops one of these particular cancers, it is presumed to have arisen from their occupational exposure, and they are eligible for compensation.

One of my friends, Jim Woodman, was a fire fighter who died of such a cancer. Jim ran as the Liberal candidate in Fort Garry constituency in the 1995 provincial election. I will always remember, that when I became the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, Jim supported my efforts and had some very helpful advice. Thank you Jim.