Study Finds About 2.7 Per Cent of Homeless Shelter Users Are Former Soldiers
The federal government is giving its first ballpark figure of how many of Canada's homeless are former soldiers.
The March 2015 study by Employment and Social Development Canada estimates that 2,250 former soldiers use shelters on regular basis.
The study, released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act, finds many homeless ex-soldiers cite alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health issues as reasons for their situation.
General Jonathan Vance says a concerted effort will be made to work with the new Liberal-run Defence and Veterans Affairs departments to identify ex-soldiers who need help with disabling conditions before they fall through the cracks.
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Lawsuit Against Winnipeg Teacher Dropped
The head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has dropped a lawsuit against a Winnipeg high school teacher.
Brad Badiuk (BAH'-dee-uhk) was placed on leave a year ago following remarks on his Facebook page that accused indigenous persons of not wanting to work and seeking free money.
Assembly chief Derek Nepinak (NEE'-pih-nack) says he dropped the defamation suit because Badiuk agreed to apologize and attend a mediation ceremony.
He says he and Badiuk sat in a circle with mediators and an elder, and Badiuk agreed to learn more about aboriginal history.
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Armed Group Still Occupying Wildlife Refuge
A leader of the small, armed group of people occupying a remote national wildlife preserve in Oregon says they will go home when a plan is in place to turn over management of federal lands to locals.
Ammon Bundy says ranchers, loggers and farmers should have control of federal land. His anti-government group is critical of federal land stewardship, but environmentalists and others say U.S. officials should keep control for the broadest possible benefit to business, recreation and the environment.
The armed group seized the refuge's headquarters on the weekend.
Authorities have not moved in to end the takeover, saying no one has been harmed or taken hostage so they will wait the situation out.
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Touch Quilt Project Heading To Roblin Care Home
Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba will be making a presentation of Touch Quilts in Roblin this month.
The Touch Quilt Project gives dementia patients sensory stimulation by having them touch different kinds of fabrics.
Parkland Regional Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Society Wanda Sime says it's a great way to get dementia patients to talk about parts of their lives they may have forgotten.
"The Touch Quilt often times brings back memories and allows them an opportunity to speak about events from their past and memories that they have."
The Touch Quilt Project will be donating 60 quilts to the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in Roblin next Monday. You can donate materials by going to the Alzheimer's Society's office in Dauphin at 214 Main Street South.
