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Saturday, July 12, 2008



Friday, May 30, 2008

Leaf Rapids in the news again

Leaf Rapids finds itself the centre of scrutiny yet again. Edna Baker, Bitch Matthews, the whole lot have decided to belly up on this one. Leaf Rapids has found a voice again. Or has it? Is Leaf Rapids a drunken free for all? Does that mean the booze is free in Leaf Rapids? Unbridled, rampaging drunks destroy fuckin' everything in Leaf Rapids?
Will be interesting to see how the story in Leaf Rapids develops. We know the community is ethically bankrupt. We know Leaf Rapids does not have a vision and lacks leadership, regardless of this author's best efforts to help them extricate their heads from their anal cavities. We know the provincial government only cares about hydroelectric development and is about as farsighted as a mole. Tina Keeper has her hands full with 30 other dysfunctional communities. Gerard would make a better mascot than an MLA.
The children are again caught in the crossfire of incompetent, crassly stupid, uninspiring politicians and bureaucrats. Leaf Rapids, Mayor Dead Ed at the helm of a fuckin' drunken silly run and duck spree for the mall... oh, the humanity...
The truth will set Leaf Rapids free...

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Monday, April 09, 2007

The Excitement Continues...

Many visitors to our community over the past couple of weeks. Our MLA, Gerard Jennissen travelled to Leaf Rapids accompanied by Steve Ashton, Minister of InterGov't Affairs & his daughter Niki Ashton, federal NDP candidate for the Churchill riding. The three had been touring the Manitoba north, with stops as remote as Tadoule Lake, where apparently the plane left the runway and ended up in a ditch. While in Leaf Rapids, they met with local govt and toured the Gardening Project, including a stop at the Greenhouse built by Chuck Stensgard & Bob Buschau back in the 70's. Mr Jennissen mentioned a possible forum of northern individuals, with expertise in a variety of fields, to come up with new ideas for northern sustainable development. It was a positive to see politicians take a moment to visit our community.

contact Gerard Jennissen, MLA Flin Flon Riding ffoffice@mts.net p204.687.3367 (Flin Flon office) 1.800.282.8069 x2936 Manitoba Legislature office

Chuck hosts the NDP Northern Tour @ the LREC School Greenhouse

Niki Ashton visits Mackison Square Gardens, but alas, no Elton John

Walter is reunited with his long lost sibling, Gerard Jennissen

Thursday, March 22, 2007


"Let's do it."

"Right now. We need it."

A meeting was held at the LREC on 22Mar07 with the goal of discussing issues related to our school. It turned out to be a forum of issues facing our community as a whole. It was evident from the outset that there were many interested parties in the room who all believe in Leaf Rapids' ability to respond to the challenges thrust upon us by the Ruttan Mine closure.

The Amisk Centre Director, Brad Stoneman, spoke often, admirably it must be noted, on some of the social issues. One comment that grabbed me was his challenge to the Frontier School Division Superintendent, Gordon Shead, as well as to all of us in the room, when he respond to facing these challenges by saying, "Let's do it."

Another one of the attendees, Leaf Rapids Mayor Ed Charrier, spoke on numerous occasions, addressing some of these issues as well. His tone was serious and determined. He wants to see our community not only survive, but to thrive as well. One of the Mayor's comments that caught my attention in particular was in response to government agencies dragging their collective feet. He stated in unequivocal terms that Leaf Rapids requires these vital services. In his own words, "Right now. We need it."

The talented and passionate group that came together for this meeting has decided to embark on what I call a Working Together WorkGroup. The objective of the group, with the deft facilitation of Dale Seddon, Leaf Rapids CEDO, is to draft a 3-5 year plan on how the community will deal with and reconcile the widespread social issues that permeate our local culture and the resulting negative effect on both our education system and the heart and soul of Leaf Rapids.

All of us need to find a way to work together. Hatchets need to be buried, differences must be put aside for the future of our children and the community. Will we agree on everything? What community has total consensus? Well some, but odds are they are geographically located in a country governed by a fascist dictator. No, we will still be at odds over issues, but it is the act of moving to common ground where individuals can state their opinion in a respectful public forum. This approach and nothing short of it, will mobilize the population to take up the challenge. We have amazing untapped resources in our version of small town Canada and I'm not talkin' iron ore or zinc. I'm speaking of the unexploited human resources. Tackling the deep rooted problems in our community head on will require everyone making a colossal effort to find that common ground. What could be more common ground than that upon which we all walk. Sure the common ground is a huge sand esker, sure it is under 10' of snow right now, but it is our sand esker and we love it. The question is, do we love it enough to put aside differences, learn to respect each other and work together?

My answer? I'm all in... always have been, always will be.

I was just checking my email when I noticed a google alert about Leaf Rapids. It was an article in the Globe & Mail about the shopping bag ban Leaf Rapids Town Council is about to approve. There is a quote from the Town Administrator, Bond Ryan.
Mr Ryan tells the Globe, "The big issue is not to be the first. It's to take a stand.” So I'm reading this and thinking, wow, this guy deserves a compliment, an acknowledgement of his environmental efforts.

So, congratulations Mr Ryan, Mayor & Council on an important environmental initiative. I couldn't agree more, it is time to take a stand.

Well done! I thank you & Gaia thanks you...

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Leaf Rapids "Need To Know" Campaign



Wow, what a deal. As of 01Mar07, Leaf Rapids loses the tax dollars from the 66 properties once held in the CMHC portfolio. Leaf Rapids also loses the Care & Maintenance revenue from CMHC. The reintroduction of 66 properties into an already dismal real estate market is the stuff Harvard case studies are made of. Due to a complete lack of communication or involvement between the community and the local governing body, many are left wondering who our new neighbours will be. Let's explore the options:

1. Will homes be sold to wealthy Americans & Albertans who only visit the community for a few days once a year? GW Bush lovin' Mr Lahey & Randy would love that scenario. The configuration of well heeled Yanks & the nouveau rich 'Bertans would be devastating to the local economy. Sure the muni govt would be all smiles, but local industry and social based services see a virtual ZERO return.

2. Diavik or another fly in mine could 'snap' up homes and bring families here to live while daddy or mommy fly out for work, but that requires a hell of a sales job equivalent to selling the recipe for ice cubes to the Inuit. Sure Leaf Rapids looks nice, it should since our muni payroll is 85% care & maintenance (Great job on the roads guys, btw), but start scratching the surface and we have significant dysfunctional obstacles for families to overcome for relocation, not the least of which is a lack of transparency in local govt. You gotta be Superman to get anything outta these despots.
*editors note: Leaf in Brief is a good initiative towards communication, openness & transparency, but the accuracy and editorial bias require major adjustments.

3. A Leaf Rapids Home Purchasing Plan (LRHPP) is the logical, sustainable development option. Reaching out to those who want to live here but have difficulty purchasing homes will provide an endless list of potential candidates. This demographic is local or regional, often with family already in the community or in the north. No need to negotiate through Bands/First Nations, go directly to the people who are dealing with a housing crisis.

What is the criteria for determining who will live in our community? Will we reach past our local/regional family & neighbours to roll out the red carpet for Yanks & 'Bertans? Or will we get down to the task of building our community social infrastructure so we are an appealing community to family oriented home seekers?


Tomorrow... We try to make sense of the deal points between our community & CMHC. Did the LRCDC buy the homes as reported or is it the Town of Leaf Rapids? Who is guiding us through this process and do they have the skills to make this move a success?

Stay Wired...

Monday, March 12, 2007



"...Aggressive municipal government measures to protect our environment."

How?

Banning garbage bags. Great decoy. How about the pollution particulates from burning trailers. More pollution is created from the burning of one trailer than 20 years of shopping bags. Pollutant particulates that have a diameter of less than 0.1 microns are defined as "ultrafine particles" — particles so small they can easily deposit deeply into the lungs, agitating asthma and some cardiovascular illnesses. Lung cancer and heart disease are commonly known as diseases related to high exposure of ultrafine particles that can be inhaled.
Our children inhale this. Not too many children inhaling shopping bags...



Mr Lahey, our mayor, is a big fan of George Dubya. No wonder Leaf Rapids' new motto is Albertans & Americans are IN, Aboriginals and those on Assistance are OUT.

Who is on the B of D for the LRCDC? Seems they have been making decisions about the future of our community behind closed doors. Transparency? Community Involvement? George Orwell?

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Available Now at Fine book stores across North America, Europe, The Far East & Antarctica!

A great new book by three pioneers in advanced nutrition...

drdemarco.com

We have the organic technology to help build healthier children(think Steve Austin/$6M Man), to fight diabetes & malnutrition, to create superior skeletal structure, to amplify cognitive skills, reduce physician/hospital visits and improve the chances of living an active, healthy life!





Sunday, March 04, 2007


A sunny -30 this morning.
There is another chill in the air.
The frigidness that accompanies corruption, discrimination & conflict of interest. Consider for a moment those who actually believe they operate in a state of exemption from recrimination or punishment. Impunity & diplomatic immunity? Struggling with the concept of democracy is a very public and painful process for our elected officials. Like children that just don't know or have not been taught, we must continue to be patient as the decisionmakers catch up to the modern world.

I suggest crossing your fingers vs the breath hold.

Saturday, March 03, 2007




CRITICAL MASS HYSTERIA
Hues x Hughes
Contemporary Art Exhibition
National Exhibition Centre
Leaf Rapids.MB
Vernissage: 03Mar07 @ 1400hrs



Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Scardate: 04Feb07:





1. Nathan CD Release Party!! details below

2. Leaf Rapids, Third World & Supplementary Arguement to SYS DIS (Systemic Discrimination):
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/story/3868546p-4475352c.html
need omar say more? say no more, omar!

3. Leaf Rapids School Protest:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2007/01/30/leaf-rapids.html

4. Mackison Square Gardens: Backyard Rink Contest

Hello friends, it is almost February, the most depressing month of
the year. But no need to snivel in our snickers,as here is some news
sure to put some pizzaz into our pantaloons:

1.Nathan CD Release Party!!

NATHAN's "Key Principles" CD RELEASE PARTY
February 23, 2007
at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg
w/ guests Mike Trike vs. Chords of Canada, and teen rockers Purity

Please come and celebrate with us at this special show with pedal
steel, trumpets, tubas, pianos, whatever we can drag up on stage.
This album will be available in Winnipeg only, until March, when it will
be available digitally. The official Canadian retail release is in
June.

You can buy tickets at Ticketmaster, The West End Cultural Centre,
Music Trader and Into the Music.
Please get them RIGHT AWAY, as a great
many nice people were turned away at the door at our last release
and it broke our hearts. See you there!

step lively, but mind the ice under your feet
love the nathans
nathanmusic.ca

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The First Ice in Leaf Rapids!

MACKison Square Gardens



MACKison Square Gardens



Mac's Giant Ice Cube

Wednesday, January 03, 2007



Do Our Children come First or Last in Leaf Rapids?

No Hockey? Where are we...Portugal?

More numbers for you to consider...
Leaf Rapids has had a 59% reduction in population since 2001, but more importantly, the youth(18 and under) population has only dropped by 28%. Juxtapose this with an overall average recreation budget reduction of 84%.

Not a pretty picture for our children.

Will the leadership of Leaf Rapids continue to ignore our children? Or will they just open the bar?

Stay tuned to the reality show that is Laugh Rapids...

Monday, January 01, 2007



Leaf Rapids Arena is still CLOSED.



We've had querries about the financial information.

Somehow in 2006, without the arena plant online, $85K had been spent by Oct. '06???!!??

$85K??

CDN$85,000.00

So much for hockeyville...

Sunday, December 31, 2006




The Death of 2006:An Unbalanced Rebalancing

The Power to see Beauty where there is Ugliness...

Saturday, December 30, 2006



LEAF VAPIDS CANCELS ANNUAL CHILDREN"S CHRISTMAS PARTY & DINNER

FACT: Xmas day party for children of Leaf Vapids cancelled.

FACT: At the 08Nov06 Laugh Vapids council meeting, the very first meeting of the new council, the very first order of business, the matter of the annual Xmas party came up on the agenda. A presentation was made by Dale Seddon, CEDO & organizer of many previous Xmas dinners. Seddon outlined what work had been done to date and the financial position of the xmas organization. The financials were solid, with thousands in the account, more coming in and all $ related matters had been taken care of. As Seddon stated, the weight of the organizing had just become too much, it was time for some new blood and Seddon thought this would be good timing for the "new wave" council to step in and save the annual xmas party.

FACT: Although the 4 councillors and the mayor had just been supported by the community in the form of votes at the municipal election about 10 days prior, in a good, old fashioned "screw the people" manner, the elected officials turned their collective backs on their community. Not one of the elected individuals did or said a thing. The only individual to comment was our CAO, who stated, "We have lots of time...right?" and then piped in "I'm just saying...".

RESULT: NO XMAS PARTY for our children...

ANALYSIS: Our LeaderShit hard at work. Very few councils have this type of opportunity handed to them, on a platter(pun intended) at the first meeting. A chance to thank the entire community in one fell swoop, not to mention pick up everyone's spirit and put a smile on the face of our children. The platter crashed to the ground. Turkey, mashed potatos, cranberry sauce, gravy, et al all over the place, inedible. Inevitable?


THE TALLY: Batting zero on: 1) Dental 2)XMAS Dinner 3)Hockey, Figure Skating & Curling (still no ice????) 4) Daycare
5) Bank Machine 6) Special Project Coordinator 7) CMHC Housing 8) $'s for Sustainable Development 9) An Actual Recreation Director who knows RECREATION

...yet again, the list goes on.

FINAL SAY: The LeaderShit of Laugh Vapids is hollow. The popularity contest was over and Laugh Vapids instantly discovered what it had really done. Yup, through the stupor of the election hangover, Laugh Vapids had elected individuals devoid of leadership, individuals intimidated by the Municipal Administrator. Politicall newbies in way over their heads. And it showed... and the children suffered. Unfortunately and invoking the Peter Principle, the children of Laugh Vapids continue to take the brunt of the collective incompetence of our elected zombies. The Positive? It can't get any worse... can it?

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Manitoba's Spirited Energy PR Campaign, Talking the Talk

Where's the Walk?

Watching the Spirited Energy campaign unfold remind me of the PR smoke & mirrors show the public is pummelled with by the oil companies. Our oil company is soooo concerned with the environment, we love mother nature, mother nature's gas station... but you just know the bastards are clobbering the planet with toxic concoctions.

The same applies to Manitoba. You don't launch multi million dollar PR campaigns when things are good. Smacks of the coach going into the dressing room before the third period, down 7-0, attempting to lift the spirits of his charges with a plea to hold their heads high, finish strong and c'mon, we can still win this one.

Manitoba has great people and it has an amazing future, but it is going to take a helluva lot more than some quasi slick PR campaign to achieve those elusive objectives. It requires real change. Time we stopped worshipping the status quo and work toward accountability, transparency, professionalism, caring & development.

Friday, December 22, 2006



What can you see?
What do you want to see?
What do you want to believe?
What can you believe?

Do you believe it when you see it...?

Not that we needed more proof that the deterioration of laugh rapids continues. The jury is in and the Peter Principle is in full force here north of 56...

We have lived for years without DAYCARE, DENTAL SERVICE, a BANK MACHINE, ACCESS to Government... the list goes on & on. Our children do not have access to basics other communities ACROSS Canada enjoy.

After almost 6 months of requesting information on Rec & Culture in laugh rapids from the local govt body, a public body that HAS to disclose this information, i finally rcvd a REV & EXPENSE list dating back 5 years. The numbers are both shocking and indictable, a confirmation that our community is in the throws of deep, massive and systemic bureaucratic incompetence. We have been cursed with poor leadership and an attitude that allows almost everything to slide. And for those who are willing to speak up? The local mafia will attempt to shut them down through slander, libel, slur, intimidation, defamation, smearing, vilification, all the good BOSS HOGG tricks that brainless, dim-witted, myopic bureaucrats use to dissuade.

Bottomline? Our children are the victims in our community and there is no shame amongst those who call themselves our leaders. Leadership? Try leaderSHIT.

Now do you believe?

The scary thing? This is only the tip of the iceberg. How low can we go?

Sunday, December 17, 2006




Wow! One of the Person's of the Year!

The winners this year were anyone using or creating content on the World Wide Web.

That would be the creators of this site... and millions, maybe more, who do the same. We all deserve a good cup of java and a nice back rub. Way to go to the people who don't bow and pray to the neon gods, whatever the hell that means.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061217/ap_on_re_us/time_person_of_year




http://spaceweather.com/aurora/gallery_01dec06.htm

Sunday, December 10, 2006

those out there who follow the meanderings of omar sharriff rapids via the elist and laugh rapids ejournal will be happy to know that we have identified a possible collaborator for the reality show project. this since the pitch went out through contacts from the banff tv festival & the indie spirit awards last month.
MAC:Manitoba Action Center will be up shortly and pix will be posted...
-12 today and lots of snow.

still no hockey as of 10dec06.
no dental.
no daycare.
no after school programs.
no bank machine.
no access to child nutrition
diabetes rates now at 50%
BUT, there's talk of the bar opening. now that's leadership...

the list goes on & on for the basics. they've cancelled the xmas dinner now, even though town council had an opportunity to save it, gonzo lyin' encouraged the council to pass 'cuz they had lots of time. what a twit. council immediately proceeded to spend 1000's on themselves and neglect the hearts of the children in the community.

these postings will become increasingly frequent as we pull laugh rapids into the 21st century and the age of discovery...

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

NVRRT: Northern Visions Regional Round Table Meeting in Leaf Rapids, 20Oct06
The NVRRT met on Friday for the first time in eons. Although the group could not achieve quorum, issues were discussed. Lets hope this intergovernmental group can make some headway over the winter by accepting/submitting proposals, opening the process to the citizens and creating awareness with all levels of gov't of the unique and near insurmountable odds northerners face daily in the pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic development.

Monday, October 23, 2006

VOTE VOTE VOTE Leaf Rapids Election 2006

Further to our conversation , and your request for information, following are the requirements to vote as a Resident Voter for the upcoming October 25, 2006 Leaf Rapids election:

Resident Voters

In order to be eligible to vote, a person must be:
· a Canadian citizen;
· at least 18 years of age on election day; and
· a resident of the local authority for at least six months on Election Day.

The following rules apply to determine the residency of a person:
1. A person is a resident of the place where he/she has his/her ordinary residence, and to which he/she intends to return when away from it.
2. A person may be a resident of only one place at a time.
3. A person does not change residence until he/she has a new residence.

If an individual's name is not on the Leaf Rapids Voter List they will be required to sign Form 22 - Oath Of The Voter and produce identification as below:

· 1 piece if it is an official federal, provincial or municipal document showing person’s photograph, name & address (examples: Driver’s license, Firearm Registration Card)
OR
· 2 pieces of other documents (examples: medical card, tax statement, assessment statement, stamped envelope received by individual showing name and address)

As I indicated an Election Information Station should be set up at the voting station. The Oath can be taken there to avoid waiting in line at the Voting Station. The Voting Stations are divided alphabetically by Voter surnames.
Leaf Rapids Candidates Forum, 22Oct06

Further to the comments made at the forum from the 5 candidates, here is a brief synopsis:

1. Economic & Social Development: defined as jobs, business creation, business planning, recreation, youth recreation & health, includes talk about daycare, hockey, bowling, outdoor recreation
2. CMHC: empty homes, suggestions ranged from immediate meeting with CMHC to Class Action Lawsuit vs CMHC by TofLR.
3. Communication: LACK OF!! all candidates lamented the fact we have poor comms in the community and that simple language is required to get the message out.
4. Taxation: Max Tax concept, No Tax for a year, working with those in arrears to come up with payment plan, assistance with tax prep for Revenue Canada, budget workshop. All candidates said they would never evict someone behind on taxes.
5. Community Input: Openness, transparency, open door, approachable, represent on citizens behalf, input from citizens, equality, what do you want to do? Strategic Process...These comments and many more like them were made many, many times.
6. Global Warming, Road to Nunavut, Agriculture, Regionalism: Diverse comments throughout the forum, theme would be "Heads Up! for Leaf Rapids" on these subjects

There were opening statements and 7 questions. I have 15 pages of notes if you require more info...

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba at 1-800-203-2343.

Changing Needs of Rural, Northern & Remote Women in Manitoba
October 19, 2006
Juniper Centre
Thompson, Manitoba

Plan to join the Rural Team Manitoba’s Standing Committee on Women’s Issues for a one-day symposium focusing on the changing needs of women in rural, northern and remote communities in Manitoba.

Symposium Goals:

§ To inform participants about “The Changing Needs of Rural, Northern and Remote Women
in Manitoba Report” that was developed in 2005 by the Standing Committee (www.rural.gc.ca)

§ To provide an opportunity for facilitated discussion about the issues identified in the report.

§ To encourage communities to engage in identifying what could be done to address
the issues.

Keynote Speaker:
Crystal Laborero, Chair,
Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council

Participation is free, lunch is included. Space is limited.

Register now by completing the attached form.

Program

8:30 Registration

9:00 Introduction and overview of report

9:30 Session 1: Childcare

10:40 Break

11:00 Session 2: Family Issues: Safety, Security & Health

12:00 Lunch & Keynote:
Crystal Laborero, Chair, Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council on Rural & Northern Decision Making Capacity

1:30 Session 3: Employment, Income & Entrepreneurship

2:40 Break

3:00 Session 4: Education & Training

4:00 Closing Remarks

4:30 Adjournment


Registration Form

Name (first and last as it would appear on a name tag)

Organization (if applicable)

Position

Mailing Address

Phone

Fax

E-mail

Seminar Details :

Of the following five seminars, please identify your main area of interest. If you have more than one area of interest, please number 1 to 5 with 1 being your first choice, etc:

Childcare
Family Issues: Safety, Security & Health
Rural and Northern Decision Making Capacity
Employment, Income & Entrepreneurship
Education & Training

Please indicate if you would require travel or accommodation assistance in order to attend. Yes No

Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
Will you be taking part in the luncheon and keynote presentation? Yes No

Registration Deadline: October 12, 2006
Registration & Information

Send registration forms to maren_gnall@phac-aspc.gc.ca or fax to: 204-983-8674

For more information, contact the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba at 1-800-203-2343.

The Rural Team’s Standing Committee on Women’s Issues was formed in 2004 to identify opportunities and mechanisms for Rural Team Manitoba to work together to increase the awareness of women's issues related to the social and economic well-being of rural, remote and northern Manitoba women. The members of the committee are committed to be a resource and to network with other team members and community organizations to facilitate the participation of rural, remote and northern women in the social, economic and political life of Canada.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Attached is a brochure about the event which being held to discuss women's issues including childcare, family, safety, security, health, income, employment, entrepreneurship, education, training and decision-making capacity. It is both an invitation to participate as well as a request to pass it along to people in the Thompson community.

We anticipate that travel, accommodation and childcare may be a concern for some participants. In light of this, funds may be available to assist with travel, accommodation and childcare for participants. Requests for assistance will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

The event is being hosted by the Rural Team Standing Committee on Women's Issues.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.


Mary Jane Loustel
CEO
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
100-207 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1M5
AWARDS AVAILABLE

MANITOBA HYDRO EDUCATIONAL
FUNDING PROGRAM BURSARY

DEADLINE DATE:
October 1, 2006

CHECK FOR ELIGIBILITY!

AWARD BOOKS LOCATED AT STUDENT SERVICES AND/OR ON UCN WEBSITE: www.ucn.ca “Information for Students”

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

northernvigourw

Local produce from local gardens. Plant it and it will grow.
Leaf Rapids 2006 Municipal Elections: 25Oct06: Vote: Go Democracy Go

Candidates for Leaf Rapids Mayor

Walter Halcrow
Michelle Trudeau
Ed Charrier
Spencer Sprowl

Candidates for Councillor:

Herb Nelson
Susan Horodecki
Keith Anderson
Freeman Heath
Gary Trewin
Craig Butler
Viola Cook
Alvin Linklater
Caroline Anderson
Leonard Linklater

Ask these candidates questions, find out where they stand on the issues important to you.

Get out and vote. Contact the Leaf Rapids town office @ 204.473.2436 to be registered on the voters list. Show up to the polling booth with 2 pieces of ID on voting day. Once every 4 years we can go over the boards, get on the ice and play the beautiful game: local democracy!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Hey Leaf Rapids!
This week is RIGHT TO KNOW Week!
You have a right to know what your local government is doing. You can ask questions of the municipality and they have to answer almost all of them, within 30 days! Wow, access to information. Involvement in the democratic process, does it get any better? Well, only if you participate in the process...
You may want to sit down for this part, but you can also ask questions of your provincial government and check this out, the feds too. Yup, the federal government, the Canadian Federal Government, any question related to governing the people of Canada (you & me).
You can submit your question in many ways. By email, by snail mail, by fax or even a phone call. If the civil servant asks for the question in writing, then write it down and submit it. Make sure you have it stamped 'RECEIVED' and get a copy stamped as well. Write down the time & date and who you submitted the question(s) to. Now the clock starts ticking...
The local government office should provide an answer promptly, but some questions may require more research, so be patient. If you have any questions about the process, contact the Manitoba Ombudsman toll free @ 800.665.0531.

More on Right To Know Week:

Hungry for the truth
Manitoba can be a place of secrets. In this era of increased government accountability and transparency, Manitoba is a laggard compared to the steps the federal government and other provinces have taken to show their citizens the inner workings of how they operate. This week is Right To Know week, an initiative of the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, the Manitoba Ombudsman, the Provincial Council of Women and the Manitoba Bar Association. These groups want to point out to Manitobans that our government — the one that spends more than $8 billion of our tax dollars every year — has one of the most inadequate and outdated Access to Information laws in the country.

The Manitoba government pledged two years ago to overhaul its Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) so that it would place a greater emphasis on the information part and less on the privacy bit. A non-partisan committee reviewed the act and provided several recommendations to improve access to information, including adding an appeal process when access is denied and putting an arm’s-length body in charge of FIPPA requests.