The NDP won a couple of bye-elections last night. Former MP Bill Blaikie won the Elmwood race and says, after 29 years in the federal opposition ranks, he’s looking forward to serving in government. And, former aboriginal chief, Frank Whitehead lead the NDP to a landslide win in the riding of The Pas.
Ice blocked sewers, drains and culverts are flooding some Manitoba basements and turning roads into lakes. The soggy situation prompted the town of Dominion City to declare a state of emergency and Roseau River to make evacuation plans. Inside the city, crews have been working around the clock to drain water. Some 2500 calls have come in about flooded streets and basements.
Manitoba residents have been dubbed the worst recyclers in the country. So today, city council will decide whether to change “garbage day” to “recycling day.” The proposal has already gotten the approval of the mayor’s cabinet, and will now go to council.
The feds will apparently table a bill tomorrow that will end convicts “two for one” credit. That sees criminals getting a double credit for time served in custody before the start of their trial.
Wasn’t that a party ! New report this morning says last summer’s farewell for General Rick Hillier, as chief of defense, cost taxpayers 270 grand. Apparently money like 6600 was spent so Hillier could ride off into retirement aboard a tank. Another 23 thousand was spent on a fly by, by the Snowbirds precision team.
The feds have been given the green light to quickly start pumping 3 billion dollars into the Canadian economy. The stimulus fund got passed yesterday after the Liberals dropped their demand for details on how the money will be spent. A big chunk of the cash is going towards those who’ve lost their jobs. E.I. benefits will soon be extended and new job training programs will also be brought in.
Apparently, the country’s food safety watchdog has quietly delayed a major part of its new listeria monitoring program. Inspectors for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, have yet to receive proper training as they look for traces of the deadly bacteria in poultry and ready to eat meats.
