The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government renewed its commitment to developing the province's mining industry yesterday, good news for communities like Flin Flon that rely on the sector. In the throne speech to open a new session of the legislature, Liet. Gov. John Harvard announced that exploration incentives remain a priority. "Manitoba's mining sector has had strong growth this year," he told the assembly. "Manitoba's policies and incentives to support mining exploration are rated the best in Canada. Our government will continue with policies supporting exploration and development of new mines and mineral deposits." That support includes the Manitoba Mineral Exploration Assistance Program (MEAP), which provides financial assistance for non-fuel exploration. Program funding of up to $7.5 million has been identified for a three-year period beginning April 2002. Other good news for the North came when Harvard announced a plan to hire 40 new police officers across Manitoba, including the northern region. "The additional funding for police . . . will support enforcement efforts targeting organized crime activities across Manitoba, including illegal grow-ops and trafficking in the new street drug known as 'crystal meth,'" he said. In the area of health, the province will place an increased emphasis on chronic diseases that stem from lifestyle and nutrition, with details of a diabetes prevention strategy expected in the coming days. Other plans outlined in the speech include: An overhaul of the Pension Benefits Act to provide more options for citizens to manage their retirements as well as guarantees of spousal consent for pension withdrawals and protection for workers' entitlements. A commitment to work with local governments, community housing groups and the federal government to meet the demand for housing. Reducing education taxes on farmland by 33 per cent this year, with a further cut of 17 per cent next year. See 'Increase' P.# Con't from P.# An increase in apprenticeship training to meet the demand for skilled trades people. Continued negotiations on a long-term plan to export Manitoba's hydro-electric and wind-generated power to Ontario. Increasing the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries and the use of safer needles in health care facilities. Continued designation of pristine lands and environmentally sensitive areas as protected "green zones." Improved standards to protect drinking water. Targeted increases in the education of health professionals and aboriginal professionals in all fields. Meeting and exceeding Manitoba's clean air Kyoto targets.
