Manitoba records largest population growth in 16 years

Manitoba’s population has grown by 15,864 people over the past 12 months, an increase of 1.32 per cent.

“Our growth rate is outperforming the national growth rate. That hasn’t happened since the mid-‘80s,” said Jacqueline Storen, head statistician at the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics, to the Winnipeg Free press.

A large proportion of this increase is due to people coming into Manitoba from other provinces, countries and even outside North America, said Nancy Allan, competitiveness, training and trade minister, in a Manitoba news release. More than 13,000 people immigrated to Manitoba over the last 12 months.

“In the last 10 years, Manitoba’s population has increased by nearly 80,000. This growth was more than double the increase of the previous 10-year period,” said Allan. She attributed much of the growth to Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program, which aims to streamline the process for immigrants to land and obtain visas in Manitoba.

The numbers come from Statistics Canada’s quarterly population estimates, which recorded Manitoba’s population at 1,221,964 as of July 1.

U of M graphic design thesis students declare war on RRC advanced graphic design students

Early on Oct. 1, Red River College students were horrified to discover a massive gauntlet constructed of cardboard, thrown down the night previous in an act of war. Beneath the gauntlet sat a dramatic pile of typewritten notes claiming, “Our two programs have existed side by side for many silent and restive years.” The signed document of war goes on: “We are united of will and the strength of our resolve is both firm and unwavering.”

It shall be a glorious year for the brave men and women of the 1st U of M graphic design battalion.

Doer joins premiers and governors at climate change summit

Premier Garry Doer joined three other premiers and seven U.S. governors in Los Angeles, California this week attending the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 2 — On the Road to Copenhagen.

Following up on last year’s prequel, the summit will feature panel discussions of attendees with a goal to “expand our network of sub-national collaboration to stimulate economic growth, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, promote clean energy solutions and reduce greenhouse gas pollution,” says Governor Arnold Shwarzenegger on the summit’s website.

“We must continue to work together to shape global policy as we prepare for the international agreement that we hope will be completed in Copenhagen later this year,” said Doer in a Manitoba news release.

The UN climate conference in Copenhagen, which will set out to produce a global climate treaty, will take place in December this year.

Cummings to give dental alumni a mouthful

Guess Who alumni, Burton Cummings, will present an “intimate, solo performance” in support of the Welcome Back Bannatyne event on Oct. 16 at the Fort Garry hotel. Cummings will be awarded with the first honorary membership to the University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association (UMDAA).

The performance, confirmed by UMDAA president Scott Leckie in a recent U of M news release, will help generate funds for the Dr. John Grahame Scholarship award, given annually to a second year dentistry student for scholastic achievement, extra-curricular involvement and character.

Winnipeg jumps on board to make life better for seniors

The city is joining the likes of London, Moscow, Melbourne and Tokyo, as well as 70 other communities across Manitoba in becoming an “age-friendly city.”
Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced on Thursday that the city would join the Age-Friendly Manitoba initiative.

“The timing couldn’t be better as we proclaim October as Seniors’ and Elders’ Month in Manitoba, a time to celebrate Manitoba seniors and their accomplishments,” said Irvin-Ross.

According to Age-Friendly Manitoba’s website, “This project supports seniors in leading active, socially engaged, independent lives that contribute to healthy aging.”

Irvin-Ross also took the opportunity to announce $132,000 in funding to six senior-friendly organizations: Aboriginal Seniors Resource Centre, Age and Opportunity, Creative Retirement Manitoba, la Fédération des âinés franco-manitobains, the Manitoba Association of Multi-Purpose Senior Centres and the Manitoba Society of Seniors.

Modified seasonal flu vaccinations; H1N1 looms large

Fewer people are being advised to get seasonal flu vaccinations, according to a Manitoba news release. People aged 65 and older and people living in personal care homes are the only groups recommended to get the flu vaccination.

The change comes after reports that there is a link to regular flu vaccinations and increased susceptibility to H1N1. While the study’s findings are not conclusive, the province wants to tread carefully as flu season approaches.

The news release indicates that H1N1 will be the “main flu strain circulating in Manitoba over this fall and winter.” The foundation for the province’s strategy so far is that H1N1 causes problems for younger people, while seniors are more threatened by complications from the regular flu strain.
If you need information about which flu vaccination to take, contact your health-care provider, or visit Manitoba.ca.