Algal Toxins - More reasons to clean up Lake Winnipeg

Thursday evening, with Dr. Gordon Goldsborough and the Friends of the Delta Marsh Field Station, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Brian Kotak talk about algal toxins. Brian has done his Ph.D. work on algal toxins and now has his own company - Algal Toxins International which is based in Pine Falls, Manitoba.

The title of Dr. Kotak's talk "Lethal Brew - Toxic Algae Stewing in our Waterways." gives you an idea about his talk. He did not mince words. He got right into the details of severe very bad characters - nerve toxins and a liver toxin which are produced by algae.

The nerve toxins, or neurotoxins include saxtoxins and anatoxin a(s). He talked about peta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and provided some evidence that BMAA may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/parkinsonism-dementia complex, and referred to evidence that BMAA has been isolated from the brain tissue of patients succumbing to Alzheimer's disease. It sounds worrisome, and raises concerns about long term chronic exposure to low levels of these toxins in drinking water under some conditions. Dr. Kotak mentioned that algae and their toxins are removed from drinking water by activated charcoal filters, but are not necessarily adequately removed by other methods.

As to the main liver toxin (called a hepatotoxin) produced by algae, this one is called microcystin LR. Dr. Kotak has spent a lot of time measuring this toxin and has found disturbingly high levels under some circumstances in Manitoba lakes.

All this adds urgency to the clean up of our lakes.

Small Business and Entrepreneurs in Manitoba

Small business leaders in Manitoba and Canada came to the Manitoba Legislature to emphasize the importance of small business and entrepreneurs to our economy. Small business creates a large proportion of the employment in Manitoba and they are very important.
In the photo, I am with Garth Whyte, Catherine Swift, Don Whitmore and Shannon Martin at the small business reception.

Louis Riel

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the death of Louis Riel in 1885. I attended the ceremony at Louis Riel's grave site in St. Boniface and laid a wreath to honour his memory.

The Grey Cup and Walby's Warriors

Last night, Chris Walby and a team from CBC were at the Tijuana Yacht Club to film a segment on Walby's Warrior's for the Grey Cup.

A pre-election throne speech

As I listened to yesterday's throne speech, it became immediately apparent that the NDP are shoveling programs and money out of the back end of their campaign truck. Rather than the usual coherent throne speech, it was an unfocused shopping list.

Let's look at the facts. For seven years now the NDP have promised to fix health care, to fix the roads, to clean up Lake Winnipeg and to keep young people in Manitoba.

And now, after seven years, this year there were huge problems with our health care system. This year, the condition of Manitoba's highways was worse than it has even been. On Lake Winnipeg, the algal blooms have been worse than even. And we have been losing many, many young people to other provinces.

In seven years, the NDP still have not accomplished their core objectives. It is time for Gary Doer to move on.

In the photo, I am with my colleague Kevin Lamoureux just after the end of the throne speech.

Lloyd Axworthy and the new science building at the University of Winnipeg

Lloyd Axworthy was at the Manitoba Legislature yesterday to talk about the new science building at the University of Winnipeg.

This is an exciting development which will include the Richardson College for the Environment. It will also be designed with new exhibition space and a green open space for students and for the public.

Congratulations to Lloyd Axworthy and the team at the University of Winnipeg.

Harry Lehotsky

The memorial service for noble warrior Harry Lahotsky was yesterday. The church was packed. Harry, in a thirty minute video, was larger than life. We will miss you Harry. You have done much for Winnipeg. You have done a great deal for so many people in Winnipeg. Thank you Harry.

The Winnipeg Sun Centre Grand Opening

The Grand Opening of the Winnipeg Sun Centre (formerly the Blue/Gold Room at 1465 Maroons Road) was tonight. It was also the occasion of a Grey Cup Party to lead off a week of festivities. Congratulations to Ed Huculak, Publisher and CEO of the Winnipeg Sun and to the team at the Sun for their partnership with the Bombers in the Winnipeg Sun Centre

The Master of Ceremonies tonight was Laurie Mustard.

Jeff and Leanne Zabudsky were there enjoying the evening (second photo). Jeff is President of Red River College.

In the bottom photo, my wife Naomi is with John and Bonnie Buhler. The Buhlers have been big supporters of health research in Manitoba - and recently of the conversion of an abandoned rail line into a bicycling and hiking trail. Thank you John and Bonnie for all your support for these efforts to help make Manitoba a better place.

Ralph Goodale comes to Winnipeg to support Liberal Youth

Ralph Goodale was in town today to support young Liberals in their efforts to go as delegates to the national Leadership Convention coming up soon, and to raise concerns about the future of the Canadian Wheat Board under the federal Conservative government.

In his speech, Ralph stressed not only the recent mistakes of the federal Conservatives, but he affirmed the need for Liberals to present a positive and optimistic view of Canada's future.

When it comes to Protected Areas in Manitoba, it is another year of disappointment

As Manitoba Wildlands points out, the NDP were a disappointment again.

Each year Manitoba Wildlands performs a careful audit of Manitoba's government actions, or lack of actions, on protected areas. This year the NDP received a D.

As Manitoba Wildlands comments: "When it comes to protected areas, there are 100 government areas of interest in Manitoba waiting for review and protected status. Many are in Manitoba's boreal forest regions including 10,000,000 acres reviewed and approved by the Minerals Sector. No new protected areas were established in these regions in 2006. "

For more see:
http://manitobawildlands.org/web_docs/2006PAGrade_release.htm

Also see the following link for the disappointing lack of progress on the Lowlands National Park:
http://manitobawildlands.org/pa_ntl_prks.htm#natl The NDP provincial government has repeatedly missed its commitments and blown opportunities to move this forward.

Will Goodon and the Metis in Manitoba

My post in September on Metis hunting rights has been getting quite a bit of attention. For some of the feedback, see Will Goodon's post at:
http://willgoodon.blogspot.com/2006/10/jon-gerrard.html

Once again the NDP have it backwards

Wednesday, last week, the NDP announced they would proceed with a Clean Environment Commission review of the sustainability of the whole hog industry. This review was called for in a Clean Environment Commission report of October 2003. The review was to have an interim report completed by the end of 2004 and a final report completed by the end of 2005. The original schedule for the review was reasonable and it would have meant the review would have been fully completed before the Clean Environment Commission review of the Olywest Plant.

Instead, what the NDP have now done is have the Olywest Plant review well under way and now they are starting the review of the whole industry. The industry review should have come first and the single Plant review second. Once again the NDP have it backwards with the review of the single Plant first and then the whole industry afterwards.

Pa Silvanus Olatunde Williams

Saturday afternoon this week, I joined others in the memorial service for Pa Williams. He touched the lives of many Nigerians and non Nigerians in Manitoba.

The service at the Immanuel Fellowship Church (photo above) was a celebration of his life - a life of service - both in Nigeria and here in Manitoba.

A distinguished Civil Engineer and retired eminent Administrator, Mr Silvanus Olatunde Williams was born on September 16, 1922 at Imo in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He started formal education at St. John's School, Aroloya, Lagos and Eroko Methodist School, Lagos where he had his primary education between 1927 and 1935. For his secondary education, he attended the famous Methodist Boys High School, Lagos between 1936 and 1940.On successful completion of his secondary education, Mr. Silvanus Olatunde Williams gained admission to Higher College, Yaba in 1941 and graduated there in 1944.

In 1947, three years later, he travelled abroad to study at Royal Technical College, Glasgow and finished up there in 1951. Three years later in 1954, Mr. Williams left for the United States of America to study at Purdue University where he completed hi masters degree program in Civil Engineering in 1955. It is noteworthy that he attained his first degree (B. Sc.) with first class Honours at Royal Technical College, Glasgow, Scotland.

Mr. Williams has held a variety of challenging professional and administrative positions in the course of his career in the Nigerian Federal Civil Service. He was a Civil Engineer in the Public Works Department and later he was employed with the Ministry of Works in various positions - the climax of which was his appointment as the first Nigerian Director of Federal Public Works between 1963 and 1966. From 1966 to 1970, he was in the enviable position of Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, and between 1971 and 1975 he was the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications.

Mr. S. O. Williams was at the national level, the Federal Commissioner for Communications from 1975 to 1978 and between 1978 and 1979, he served as Federal Commissioner for Labour, Youth and Sports. In other spheres he has served in many challenging positions of authority. He was the first Nigerian chairman of the Amateur Athletics Association of Nigeria (AAAN) from 1952 to 1955; 1959 to 1962 and 1966 to 1974.

He was also a member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) between 1954 and 1974.While in school, he won a number of proficiency prizes such as first place form prize (1936-1940); Math and Science prizes between 1939 and 1940 and at the post-secondary level he won the McHugh prize for proficiency in 1943; the James Muir prize for Natural Philosophy in 1950. However, in 1962 on account of his outstanding contribution to sports and national development, he was given a National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N) and in 1987, he was conferred with the National Sports Award 1987. Mr. Williams distinguished himself in sporting events both locally and internationally. He was the Long Jump champion at MBHS, Lagos (1939); Long Jump champion at Glasgow University (1948 to 1951) and he held the Nigerian National record in the same event in 1950. He was champion of the Glasgow Blues (1950) and he distinguished himself in the same event at the Commonwealth Games in 1954. He was a member of the Polytechnic Haniers, London from 1948 to 1952.On the professional plane, he served as secretary and later Chairman of the Nigerian society of Engineers.

On the religious plane, he was chairman of the Building Committee for Itesi Methodist Church starting in 1982.

Let Us Remember

November 11, 1918 marked the end of World War I. Today we pause on November 11 to remember the sacrifices made by so many so that we can have the freedoms and the rights that we have today.

I joined others at the Fort Garry Legion to remember. Thank you to Sapper Samantha Cross (photo) who was my escort as I laid the wreath of remembrance on behalf of the Manitoba Liberal Party.

The Canadian Muslim Women's Institute

Friday evening was the occasion of a dinner for the Canadian Muslim Women's Institute. Honoured at the event were Bernice Getty and Linda Brazier who have both contributed to better relations among people in the various communities in Winnipeg.

On hand to entertain were Lacina Dembele and Camille Legal (bottom three photos).

In the top photo, Bernice Getty receives an award from Albert Eltassi and Shahina Siddiqui.

In the secnd photo, Linda Brazier receives her award.

Hanna Sweep and All Things Beautiful in Brandon

At the Paragon Lofts Building in Brandon, one of the first floor tenants is Hanna Sweep.

Hanna's shop - All Things Beautiful has a wide variety of items for the home and for people. Particularly featured are children's clothes (see photo).

Come in to see Hanna at 19 - 9th Street in Brandon on the first floor.
Her web site is at www.allthingsbeautiful.ca

Roost - Urban Home Living (with furniture and home decor) - is now open in Brandon

In Brandon, in the building housing the Paragon Lofts, Crispin Butterfield and Michael Workman have opened their store in the Paragon Lofts Building on the first floor (101) at 19-9th Street. Their store - called ROOST sells a variety of items for home decor including furniture.

Crispin is a talented interior designer - with a BA in Interior Design and a membership in the Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba.

See their web page at www.roost-home.com

In the photo, I am with Crispin and Michael at their new store in Brandon.

Paragon Lofts in Brandon

Thursday, while I was in Brandon I stopped in to visit the new development of Paragon Lofts http://www.paragonlofts.com/ . Mark Fawcett (photo), has created attractive living space at Paragon Lofts. Of interest, each unit is pre-wired for cable TV, high-speed internet, and intercom to the front entry. Also of interest, there are common areas on each residential floor double as art exhibits. Paragon Lofts are located at 19 - 9th Street in Brandon.

Why is the twinning of Highway 1 from Hargrave to the Saskatchewan border still not completed?

When I was in Virden on Thursday this week, I heard lots about Highway 1. The full twinning of Highway 1 to the Saskatchewan border has been promised many times. It should have been completed this year, but it has not been. Why not? NDP imcompetence strikes again when it comes to managing the road infrastructure of our province.

The photo shows Highway 1 looking west from Virden. While much work has been done on Highway 1 west of Virden from Hargrave to the Saskatchewan border, the work has not been finished and the twinned highway is not yet open. It should have been open for this winter.

Phosphorous in our waterways and buffer strips along the edge of fields

On Wednesday, this last week the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Stan Struthers annouced his plan to reduce phosphorous flowing into Manitoba Waterways.

A central part of this plan was the following "Starting in 2009, every farmer, homeowner, groundskeeper and municipality with land next to water will not be allowed to apply fertilizer in buffer zones."

In an earlier blog http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006/11/karin-wittenberg-and-national-centre.html , I commented that the province needs to be careful in setting phosphorous regulations, and making claims for their effectiveness because it is important to ensure that the regulations build on strong research showing that the regulations will have the desired effect.

What is very clear to anyone who travels outside of Winnipeg in southern Manitoba is that the large majority of water running off fields does not run off the field through a buffer strip, it runs off through a drainage channel (see photos above - the snow is in the drainage channels - the trees are planted on the buffer strip). Thus, building up buffer strips, and reducing the phosphorous applied to buffer strips will not affect the vast majority of phosphorous run-off from the field. Indeed, recent research by Steve Sheppard and Jeff Long which was reported at a recent Water Conference showed on average a 4% reduction in phosphorous with buffer strips.

If the agricultural run-off from cultivated fields in Manitoba is responsible for 10% of the phosphorous which enters Lake Winnipeg, then a 4% reduction in this 10% is an overall reduction of 0.4% of the phosphorous entering Lake Winnipeg. Ten percent of phosphorous derived from cultivated fields is reasonable, given that the total phosphorous contribution from Manitoba agriculture (including feedlots, hog lagoons, fields which are not cultivated) is at 14%. (See the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board Interim Report, February 2005 )

I am not necessarily saying do not take these measures with respect to buffer strips, but I am saying, let us put this in perspective. The overall effect of one of the major measures to be implemented by the NDP is small in the context of the reduction in phosphorous that needs to be achieved. In other words, let no one be fooled, the NDP in their announcement are attempting to promote the illusion of having a major effect, rather than actually achieving a major effect (and note the NDP action will not even start until 2009).

Indeed, this reduction is much less than the phosphorous reduction which can be achieved by elminating phosphorous in dishwasher detergent in Manitoba (overall a 2% reduction in the phosphorous going into Lake Winnipeg). We have recommended that the latter step be taken as soon as possible, and indeed will be introducing legislation this fall to achieve this.

Karin Wittenberg and the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment

Thursday morning at the Legislature, Karin Wittenberg talked about the new National Centre of Livestock and the Environment which is being developed at the University of Manitoba's Glenlea Research Station just south of Winnipeg.

Karin talked about the Centre's plans to study the long term effects of intensive lifestock production on health and the environment including on odour, water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and fertilizer use. The goal is to develop environmentally sustainable livestock production practices.

Wittenberg emphasized that reducing phosphorous run-off into Manitoba's waterways is not as simple as some believe. It was believed that minimum till fields have less phosphrous run-off than regular till fields. However, careful research at the Tobacco Creek site in southern Manitoba has shown that minimum till fields have more phosphorous run-off into adjacent waterways than regular till fields. Clearly it is important to know precisely the effects of changes in agricultural practice before making provincial regulations.

Samuel Freedman: Man of Law - a tribute

Tuesday evening this week, I attended an evening to remember Samuel Freedman and an exhibition entitled Samuel Freedman: Man of Law at the Marion and Ed Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada which is located in the Asper Jewish Community Campus.

Jack London, Dr. Bryan Schwartz, Harold Buchwald, Dr. Arnold Naimark and Martin Freedman each spoke of their memories of Samuel Feedman, the first Jewish judge in Manitoba starting in 1952, and from 1971 to 1983, the Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of Appeals.

Harold Buchwald emphasized Fredman's sense of humour and his ability to tell stories. Fredman was also very good at writing reference letters. As Jack London noted, once, when asked to write a letter of reference for a person who was rather lazy, Freedman wrote - "I will say that you will do exceedingly well if you can get him to work for you."

Jack London and Bryan Schwartz talked of former Chief Justice Freedman's career as a lawyer and as a judge. Freedman believed in the liberalism of the Enlightenment. His focus was on substance more than on style. He had a love of learning, and was sought after as a speaker.

Arnold Naimark, spoke of his getting to know Samuel Freedman at Clear Lake in the 1960s. He also touched on Freedman's time as Chancellor of the University of Manitoba from 1959-1968, and mentioned that Freedman was a champion of reforming the way universities are governed. As Naimark noted: "Freedman had a rock solid core of principle and a very strong commitment to high standards and excellence."

Martin Freedman, Samuel Freedman's son, paid homage to his father - but managed to slip in a little humour too. Once at the end of a golf game, Samuel Freedman commented to his golfing partner "I hope one day people will say he (referring to himself - Samuel Freedman) was a son of a bitch of a judge, but he was one hell of a golfer." Well, Freedman never achieved what he hoped as a golfer, but he certainly was an incredible and talented jurist.

To capture a little bit of Samuel Freedman, here is a short excerpt from a speech given by Samuel Freedman during his time as a judge. This is from one of the articles featured in the exhibition Samuel Freedman: Man of Law so ably curated by Susan Turner.

"Nowhere more than on the judicial Bench must a man cease to be a member of any group. In the exercise of his office, a Judge is not a Jew, a Roman Catholic, an Anglican, or a member of the United or any other Church; he is not a Canadian of French or English or any other descent, he is the impartial and fearless Speaker of the Law."