Program to launch
The Government of Saskatchewan is moving forward with implementation of a province-wide Multi-Material Recycling Program (MMRP) set to launch early in the New Year.
MMRP is a cost-sharing program between businesses and municipalities to help pay for the collection and recycling of household packaging and paper materials.
Currently, municipal recycling programs are paid for by municipalities. Under MMRP, businesses and organizations that distribute packaged goods and paper to households in the province will now share responsibility for the cost of recycling these materials.
Businesses that distribute or sell packaging and paper products in Saskatchewan are required under The Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations to participate in MMRP.
The program will be operated by Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW), a non-profit organization.
Helpful app
A new mobile app to help people cope with the stresses of life and prevent suicide is now available free of charge to all Manitobans.
Created by Klinic Community Health Centre and the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Committee, the new app is entitled Calm in the Storm.
It is described as an innovative approach to help Manitobans manage stress, promote resilience and good mental health, and prevent suicide.
Manitobans may view or download the app by visiting www.calminthestormapp.com.
Monitoring
Following a review of private firms caring for children in hotels, the Manitoba government has assigned department staff to directly monitor contract workers.
The province says it has also begun taking steps to improve care while continuing to reduce reliance on hotels as temporary emergency shelters.
“Our goal is to eliminate the need to use hotels as emergency shelters for children as quickly as possible,” Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross said.
ing our network of foster homes and we are creating new shelters. We have already assigned Manitoba Family Services staff to oversee contract workers and will require better training to ensure the safety of children placed temporarily in hotels.”
The review was requested by the minister and conducted by Agency Accountability and Support Unit (AASU) of Manitoba Family Services.
The review of contracted private firms found inconsistencies in the quality of care and in the value of the services provided, Irvin-Ross said.
While working to reduce the need for private firms, Manitoba Family Services will renegotiate contracts to improve requirements for training, supervision and communication, the minister said.
The review recommends the Manitoba government continue to reduce its reliance on contract workers. Earlier this year, the Manitoba government launched a major update of its programs for children in crisis to improve care, reduce reliance on hotels as emergency shelters, and redirect funds to key support services for families and children.
