Politics Making Ag Sector Scapegoat for Lake's Woes

Wpg Free Press - Laura Rance - 06/11/201
Laura says Manitoba is latching on to fauly science in the formation of public policy regarding Lake Winnipeg pollution. Details here.
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Lk. Wpg. www.gov.mb.ca  

PLT: I admire Laura's articles greatly. However, it remains unclear to me that the amount of "blame" the government seems to be aiming at the hog industry quite matches the corrective action it will require the industry to take. After all, the winter spreading thing, as Laura concedes, is already covered and the changes there seem cosmetic, at best. Since new operations are already prohibited in the east, no change there, either. So I don't quite understand what corrective actions the industry will be required to take that would justify the amount of public "stink" it has been raising over this issue. 

Another thing, past flood events have been known to "overtop" hog lagoons and wash the waste into waterways. We've heard not a peep about that this time. Is that because it has not happened? Or is it because of a timid news media (not you, Laura) that doesn't seem to ask such questions any more. 

From what I've read, synthetic fertilizers in all likelihood play a big role here, as well. If that is the case, let the chips fall where they may. Our food producers need to be appreciated and treated fairly. But if they are using methods which are harmful, they need to be called to account like anyone else. 

And surely it's high time to end this myth that any time farmers come under scrutiny, it's all a plot by the NDP & those "city environmentalists!" I haven't been voting NDP & I live in the country! l.p.

Port in Winnipeg Could be Model for Port at Churchill

Diane Gray - 06/9/2011 - Winnipeg Free Press - View From the West

The Golden Boy faces north from his lofty perch-- serving as a bold reminder of the unrealized economic potential.... Details here.  

Courtesy of Manitoba, eh?

PLT - I wonder just how much is enough for the human species? Winnipeg & Manitoba are already beautiful places with lots of natural beauty, physical infrastructure and cultural resources. Just how much further must we go to "realize our potential" by making it ever-easier to move people and widgets from here to the far corners of the continent. As far as I'm concerned, "Centre Port" is an exercise it excess which will only enrich the pockets of the few, worsen traffic gridlock and climate change while doing little to advance the human condition. "We can build it - therefore we must need it," might as well be the rallying cry. Globalization has already been shown to be a failure on so many levels. Lets stop bowing down to it as if it were our religion! The biggest tragedy with all of this is, why the provincial government, which pretends to be devoted to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, is even allowing this misguided fossil-fuel generator to go ahead at all! It is also puzzling why the Chamber of Commerce is looking to the Port of Churchill with such envy. After all, the Chamber's "party of choice," the Conservatives, are in the process of killing the Canadian Wheat Board. Some say that move alone is enough to place the very future of that port in jeopardy. Perhaps it's time to remove those "development stars" from our eyes. Let's turn our minds instead to what is good for Mother Earth and creatures who live upon it, rather than ripping it all up with backhoes and jackhammers. l.p.

AAFC Dials Back Estimated Crop Area Due to Flooding

June 9, 2011 - Manitoba Co-Operator
Canada's agriculture department has lowered its estimates of crop harvested areas, as flooding and excessive rain look to leave much land fallow this year. Details here.

A British Perspective on "Our" Tar Sands! (Video)

You Want Superbugs With That?

Barry Estabrook - ONEARTH - 05/27/11
Feeding antibiotics to healthy livestock is leading to an emerging human health crisis -- one scientists and the government have seen coming for decades.  

Details here.

Feds to Consider Flood Infrastructure Program

June 7 '11 Manitoba Co-Operator
The federal government says it's "prepared to discuss" a plan to help all provinces and territories build up their infrastructure to better withstand floods in the future. Details here.

MIKE.DEAL@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Delta Beach, at the south end of Lake Manitoba, 

a victim of high water aggravated by high winds. Because the lake is so shallow, 

wind is especially damaging.

PLT: Once again, the brain-dead morons who control our lives believe digging deeper ditches in the absence of meaningful action to combat climate change, will solve all of our problems. These climate crooks belong in jail for neglecting the root-causes of the crisis that is beginning to ravage us all.   l.p.

Canadian Environment Week

Environment Canada - June 8 '11
Preserving our Forests,
Protecting our Future
 June 5-11, 2011 Details here.

Goldfinch. l.p. photo