Local briefs

Canadians opinions on Americans studied

According to The Winnipeg Free Press, a new study published by the Historica-Dominion Institute, indicates feelings Canadians have towards Americans.

The Winnipeg Free Press reported:
“The president (Favourable/unfavourable):
Barack Obama: 86 per cent/ 7 per cent
George W. Bush: 21 per cent /73 per cent
Americans (Favourable/unfavourable):
In 2009: 71 per cent favourable/ 18per cent unfavourable
In 2005: 68 per cent favourable/21 per cent unfavourable
Feel at home in the United States (Agree/disagree):
In 2009: 48per cent/40 per cent
In 2005: 44per cent/44 per cent
The United States a force for good in the world (Agree/Disagree):
In 2009: 44per cent/ 46 per cent”

Cemetery vandalized on Halloween

According to CBC Manitoba, the Winnipeg Police Department said a number of headstones in a Winnipeg cemetery were knocked over by Halloween vandals,.

CBC Manitoba reported, “A number of the heavier headstones were cracked from being pushed over. Police said more than $5,000 in damage was done.”
Rev. Marcel Damphousse told the CBC Sunday that someone passing by phoned police at roughly 9 p.m. on Saturday to report the vandalism that had occurred.
“I guess it’s kind of a game for them, a challenge somebody put them up to or, I don’t know, they’re maybe [on] alcohol or drugs,” said Damphousse.
Even though the graveyard was the same cemetery where Louis Riel was buried, his grave was not targeted.

Press release says Manitoba received a lot fewer vaccines than expected

According to a press release from the provincial government, “Manitoba has been advised the province will receive 15,500 doses of vaccine next week, well below the expected 72,000 doses.”

The release continued, “As a result, each region will be adjusting their plans according to their population and geographic realities. Mass immunization clinics may be postponed in some regions.”

“Many regions will continue to provide vaccine to people in the first priority group with a particular emphasis for people most at risk of severe illness,” The press release continued.

The following people are priority to get the H1N1 Vaccine:

“Children aged six months to under five years old; anyone of Aboriginal ancestry, First Nations, Métis or Inuit; people under 55 with a severe chronic medical or other risk condition; and pregnant women.”

Long time treaty settlement finalized

According to a release by the provincial government, a long time treaty settlement has been finalized.

The press release stated, “Manitoba has completed the transfer to Canada of over 33,816 acres of land for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) to date under the 1997 Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement.”

“Fulfilling treaty land entitlement obligations to First Nations is a government priority,” said Conservation Minister Stan Struthers in a press release. “Today we are one step closer to honouring our commitment.”

“The land transfers fall under treaty land entitlement agreements that require Manitoba to transfer unoccupied lands to Canada so it can fulfill treaty land entitlement obligations,” the press release reported.

The release stated, “Previously, 25,894 acres of land were transferred to Canada for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. With today’s announcement, the remaining Crown land entitlement for the NCN is just under 27,945 acres, for a total commitment of 61,761 acres.”