RCMP Ask for DNA Samples in Investigation of Girl's Death
The RCMP have asked males between the ages of 15 and 50 on a remote northern Manitoba First Nation to provide DNA samples as part of the investigation into the slaying of an 11-year-old girl.
Sergeant Bert Paquet says the request was made in the case of Teresa Robinson, whose remains were found last May during a search of the Garden Hill First Nation.
She had left a birthday party several days earlier and did not return home.
Initially, it was believed she was the victim of a bear attack but RCMP later determined that although animals had likely disturbed her remains, there was no evidence to suggest they played a role in her death.
---
The Wild Price of Oil
The rollercoaster ride in the price of oil continues.
After tumbling nearly four-dollars in trading Monday and Tuesday, benchmark US crude jumped $2.40 Wednesday to close in New York at $32.28 US a barrel.
As a result, the commodity-sensitive loonie saw its value soar by 1.32 cents to close at 72.61 cents US.
---
Zika Precautions for Canadian Blood Services
Canada is moving to protect its blood supply from the Zika virus.
The agency responsible says people who have travelled outside of Canada, the continental U-S and Europe will be ineligible to give blood for 21 days after their return.
Canadian Blood Services says the nation-wide waiting period will take effect at all of its clinics starting Friday as a way to ensure the virus has been eliminated from a person's bloodstream and to mitigate the risk of Zika entering our blood supply.
Quebec's blood operator, Hema-Quebec, will be implementing the same change as of this Sunday.
---
Nature Conservancy Buys Land in SW MB
The Nature Conservancy of Canada in Manitoba has announced that it is the proud new owners of a historical property in the province.
The not-for-profit, land conservation organization has completed the purchase of 127 hectares known as the Ethier Sandhills in the Oak Lake Natural Area in southwestern Manitoba.
The site was sold to the Nature Conservancy of Canada by the previous landowner, who wished to protect the sand dunes in honour of his late mother.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has discovered 11 species at risk and uncommon species on the property, including silky prairie clover inhabiting the blowouts which is listed as both nationally and provincially threatened.
The property is also one of only a few places in Manitoba where brittle prickly-pear and the provincially imperilled spiny star can be found.
