The real local stories here in Manitoba [a central Canadian province] are a pretty diverse bunch.
Budget cuts in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have led to the end of a programme to help native candidates train meet the minimum qualifications to join the force. The Manitoba Grand Chief Phil Fontaine expressed dismay and anger at the cutting of the programme, which he says has been successful at both increasing the recruitment of native officers and improving RCMP-native relations.
After a year in which the province opened a new bingo and slot machine hall in Winnipeg and licensed 1800 new video lottery terminals (VLT's), it has now declared a moratorium on further gambling halls, although it will continue to license new VLT's.
Four native teenagers on their way through Winnipeg to New Zealand to take part in the Native Run for Indigenous People were left stranded when their coach disappeared with the money for their trip. When their situation made the papers, voluntary donations came in to pay for their trip, at a cost of over $15 000.
Finally, in an attempt to cut down on youth crime over Halloween, police in Gimli, Manitoba hid behind their cars and let children throw eggs at them. In return the kids had to sign a form promising not to get into trouble when they went out to "Trick or Treat", and if after all that they did get into trouble...then nobody would be pulling any punches.
- Dr. Euan Taylor, Winnipeg, Canada
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