by Shauna Mackinnon
A recent CCPA study showing the extent of First Nations poverty in Canada provides yet more evidence that Canada is failing Aboriginal people. Fully 50 percent of status First Nations children in Canada live in poverty as measured by the Low Income Measure (LIM). In Manitoba the situation is particularly dire with 62 percent living in poverty.
This is unacceptable as a matter of basic social justice and human rights. But it is also a major concern for the future of our economy.
by Josh Brandon
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh has announced legislation on cosmetic pesticides that will finally bring Manitoba into step with the majority of other provinces in Canada. This is a significant positive step for the health of Manitoba families. Eliminating the use of toxic chemicals for lawn care is one of the most practical and effective steps we can take for our environment.
Manitobans recognize that toxic chemicals used for controlling weeds and insects on lawns put a needless strain on the environment and pose an unnecessary risk to human health. When the Manitoba Provincial Government conducted consultations last fall on options for regulating cosmetic pesticides, about 70 percent of Manitobans responded that they want the same protections for their children and the environment that residents of several other provinces already receive. These consultation results mirror poll results that show a large majority of Manitobans—71 per cent—support phasing out the use of cosmetic pesticides for lawn care.
Once again, here are the updated housing statistics for Winnipeg and Manitoba. References are available at the bottom of the page. Compiled by Sarah Cooper.
For the full report, please click here.
by Sarah Cooper
Over the last few years, the Province of Manitoba has invested millions of dollars in renovating and providing resources in two public housing complexes in Winnipeg, Gilbert Park and Lord Selkirk Park. These investments have re-energized the two communities, and are making a positive difference in tenants’ day-to-day lives.
Along with the programs and support offered by service agencies and the on-going leadership and engagement of tenants working to improve their communities, the investments included complete renovations of each housing units; new Manitoba Housing Security presence, cameras and lighting; a new, client-oriented tenant services approach to housing provision and community development; and new community amenities, including play structures and parks, childcare and resource centres.
by Lissie Rappaport
In November of last year, the City closed the Sherbrook Pool, leaving the community and its dedicated swimmers high and dry. The closure was the result of corrosion of the structure; a City of Winnipeg assessment of an engineer’s report released last week indicates the Pool needs $2.7 million in immediate repairs, as well as maintenance costs of $3.5 million over the next 20 years. The Standing Policy Committee on Property Development received the report and accepted its one recommendation: to have community consultations on the status and future of the pool.
Since the City’s report was narrowly focused on structural issues and some usage data, it is curious why it is now undertaking broad consultations on the recreation needs of the area, especially when there is so much support and demonstrated need for the Sherbrook Pool. The community has spoken clearly through two public meetings and community-based research about the need to retain and invest in the Pool. Furthermore, it is unclear when the consultations will begin – leaving current residents without a local pool and its future unknown.
If you were thinking about applying to be the CCPA-MB’s researcher in housing and community development, send in those résumés! Deadline is this Friday, June 21st.
See the job posting here.
by Elizabeth Blackwood and Lynne Fernandez
On Tuesday, June 11th, Winnipeg’s Property and Development Committee reviewed a proposal to buy out the Private Public Partnership (P3) agreement for the South District Police Station. In 2012, the Mayor announced that this P3 was a cost-saving initiative for the taxpayer. Yet only one year after the City agreed to a 30-year lease with a private company to build and manage the public asset, the P3 lease contract is already slated to be canceled, with savings being found by bringing the financing and operations of the project fully public. CUPE has always maintained that P3s and privatization will end up costing taxpayers more. The South District Police Station is a case-in-point.
The problem is that Winnipeg, Brandon, as well as the Federal Government are not learning from mistakes like this, and are actively considering, and in many cases pushing for more P3 projects nation-wide.
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