Changes under The Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act (E-Cigarettes) to address the use of electronic cigarettes by minors will come into effect Oct. 1, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Electronic cigarettes have been growing in popularity over the past number of years, particularly with youth and young adults.  But, there is little conclusive evidence about the potential harm of long-term e-cigarette use,” said Goertzen.  “That’s why we are amending The Non-Smokers Health Protection Act to limit access to youth and place reasonable restrictions on these products while allowing access for adults wishing to use e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.” The Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act (E-Cigarettes) received royal assent on Nov. 5, 2015.  The amendments will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and vapour products to minors. They will also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public spaces and other places where smoking is prohibited with exceptions similar to those currently allowed for smoking and place restrictions on the display, advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes and vapour products. “These restrictions are similar to those currently in place for tobacco and tobacco products,” said Goertzen. Businesses that meet the definition of a vapour product shop in the act will be permitted to continue to allow consumers to test and sample products in-store for the purpose of a sale and use elsewhere. For more information on the new measures, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/tobacco/guide.html.

A Brandon woman, and her two sons ended up having to distribute diapers in the parking lot at the Victoria Inn, after a Red Cross worker had informed her that “they were not accepting donations at this time like that as diapers were not needed.” Melissa McLaughlin tells bdnmb.ca that her 7-year old son Lucas had the idea to drop off some diapers to the evacuees of the northern forest fires, following her 4-year olds (Landon) inquiry as to why there was so many buses parked outside the hotel. Melissa say that upon asking where she could place the unopened diapers, she was told they were not needed. At that moment an evacuee, with a baby in her stroller, interrupted saying that her baby was on her last 3 diapers and that diapers were indeed needed. Melissa says the women was informed that diapers were coming, but when asked when, the worker could not give a date/time. The lady in the stroller informed Melissa that the Red Cross had been saying that for a few days now. Hearing this Melissa proceed to hand out the diapers to the lady, with the stroller, and was instructed that she could not do so inside the room they were renting and that she would have to do so outside. At that point she tells bndmb.ca that she went outside with her boys, ripped open the bag of diapers, and handed the diapers out to anyone in the parking lot with babies and toddlers. “Some came rushing across the parking lot to collect a few. It felt like handing out candy on Halloween. That was the boys favourite part.” says Melissa. BDNMB.CA did reach out to the Red Cross at the Victoria Inn but was met with a no comment. They did however reply to Melissa on Facebook (see images below) thanking her for thinking of those who have been impacted, and with a link to a YouTube video explaining why they don't accept physical donations like diapers.

Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecasting Centre reports that forecast high winds developing over the next 24 hours to 48 hours have resulted in a high wind warning effect for the South Basin of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. Strong northwest winds are forecast starting tomorrow afternoon.  Wind speed and wave action could raise levels by as much as five feet or more.  Lake Manitoba is currently at 812.80 ft. Property owners are advised to take precautions.

Manitoba Sustainable Development and the Office of the Fire Commissioner advise that hot, dry and windy conditions continue, resulting in elevated wildfire danger levels in many areas of the province.  Fire crews from Northwest Territories and Minnesota, along with water bombers from Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, have been supporting Manitoba’s wildfire suppression efforts.  An additional five fire crews from Ontario will be joining suppression efforts today. To date, there have been more than 499 fires this season.  With many other fires burning across the Prairie provinces and Northwest Territories, parts of Manitoba may experience smoky conditions this week. A large wildfire near Wasagamack remains approximately one kilometre from the community and is approximately 23,000 hectares (ha) in size.  Strong north winds, high temperatures and low humidity levels pushed the wildfire towards the community of Wasagamack, requiring an evacuation of the communities of Wasagamack, St. Theresa Point and Garden Hill.  Fire crews are continuing suppression work on the fire line closest to the community, with crews also working on other spot fires located away from the main fire line.  Strong south winds continue to keep smoke away from the community.  Some rain is forecast for this area today. A wildfire burning near the Fox Lake First Nation remains approximately six km from the community and approximately 1,700 ha in size.  Fire crews are continuing suppression efforts on this fire. A 4,600-ha wildfire near Poplar River remains approximately 3.5 km from the community.  Warm temperatures and strong winds required the evacuation of residents as a safety precaution.  Fire crews are continuing their suppression efforts on the north flank of this wildfire.  Some rain is forecast for this area today. The Canadian Red Cross continues to manage evacuations as part of an agreement with the federal government to provide disaster assistance to Manitoba First Nations. No open burning is allowed without a permit between April 1 and Nov. 15.  For information on permits and restrictions, Manitobans can contact local Sustainable Development office.  Municipalities often implement their own restrictions, so individuals should also check with local municipal offices for further information. Anyone planning a backcountry trip is reminded that campfires should only be made in designated fire pits.  However, a better option is to prepare meals on a lightweight portable cook stove.  Campers heading into a remote area should tell someone else where they are going and when they expect to return. Manitobans are reminded to exercise extreme caution when undertaking any outdoor activities.  In areas where all-terrain vehicle use is authorized, stay on developed trails, stop frequently to check areas around the engine and exhaust for debris, and carefully dispose of any debris found.  Riders should carry a small shovel, axe and fire extinguisher at all times. Manitobans can report wildfires by contacting local emergency services at 911 or contacting the forest fire tip line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).  More information on wildfire prevention is available at www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/.

Brandon School Division is committed to providing a safe and inclusive place for all of our students, and is proud to be partnering with the Brandon Police Service, the Canadian Red Cross, and our own Youth Revolution Team Members to launch a Divisional Student Safety Social Media Campaign. Messaging will be featured on our Divisional and School based websites and social media accounts, with a focus on: Promoting healthy relationships for our students and their families; Cyber Safety; Stranger Danger; and Sexual Exploitation. We take student safety very seriously in our Division, and this social media campaign will assist in notifying and educating the public and our students about best practices, when it comes to student safety. Let’s help prevent these incidents and talk to our children about the importance of keeping themselves safe. Dr. Marc D. Casavant, Superintendent/CEO Bringing together community agencies to assist with providing resources and external contacts, various print communications will also be made available, such as: Be Safe! Personal Safety Program from the Canadian Red Cross; Safe & Caring Schools: A Whole School Approach to Planning for Safety & Belonging from Manitoba Education & Training; Canadian Centre for Child Protection; and Many, many more.