News
Yves Rocher Foundation Launches the Women of the Earth Contest
The Yves Rocher Foundation, through the Women of the Earth contest, is looking for women who are eco-citizens, working to better the environment and humanity, to reward them for their actions.
The Foundation is reaching out. Help them find women who dedicate themselves to making the world a greener place so they can celebrate their actions and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Women of the Earth application forms can be downloaded on the Yves Rocher Foundation site at http://www.Yves-Rocher-Fondation.org. The deadline to return them is September 30, 2008 to "Women of the Earth Awards", 2199 Fernand-Lafontaine Blvd., Longueuil, Quebec, J4G 2V7.
The first place winner will receive 5,000 euros, second place 3,000 euros and third place 2,000 euros for their respective projects. The first place winner in Canada also competes with winners from other participating countries around the world for the chance to win an additional 10,000 euros for her project during a special ceremony held in Paris, France, on International Woman’s Day.
Action Alerts
Call for Public Comments and Submissions: SaskEnergy’s Applications for Rate Increases
SaskEnergy is proposing increases to its 1) commodity rate (pass-through cost of purchasing gas on the open market) and 2) delivery rate (cost of delivering gas to customers). On average for customers, the combined annual effect of both increases will amount to: Residential customers: 39% or $34.76 monthly; Farm customers: 40% or $47.40 monthly; General Service II, 43% or $149.42 monthly; and General Service III, 45% or $2,199.16 monthly.
Through two Minister’s Orders, the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel has been asked to review both of SaskEnergy’s proposed rate increases; and provide its recommendations on the fairness and reasonableness of both proposed increases, considering the interests of the customer, the Crown corporation, and the public. All interested persons or organizations are invited to provide comments or submissions to the Panel by August 15, 2008 (for the commodity rate) and by September 15, 2008 (about the delivery rate) in these ways:
At the following public consultations in:- Regina, August 12th, 7 to 9 pm, Delta Regina
- Saskatoon, August 13th, 7 to 9 pm, Hilton Garden Inn
- Online at http://www.saskratereview.ca in the “Voice Your Opinion” section
- Mail: PO Box 1301, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3N1
- Email: input@saskratereview.ca
- Telephone Voice Message: 1-877-368-7075 (toll free) or in Saskatoon, 934-1948
For more information, visit http://www.saskratereview.ca for full details including SaskEnergy’s proposal, the Panel and its role, relevant links, recent updates, and reports on previous applications. Visit http://www.saskenergy.com or call 1-800-567-8899 to request a copy of SaskEnergy’s proposal.
Waterfront Challenge: A Competition to Improve Your Local Waterfront
The Waterfront Challenge is a competition to encourage people who care about their local waterfront - including rivers, lakes, streams and oceans - to improve their local environment so that they may continue to enjoy water activities. Prizes of $5000 each will be awarded to 7 lucky groups and $25,000 to the first place group. The contest runs now through November 1, 2008 and is open to adults and children. Any group may consist of 3 or more people who want to spend a minimum of two days improving their local waterfront and encouraging others to do the same. For more information, please visit http://wfchallenge.com.
Resources
The Hydrogen Solution - Ideas, CBC Radio One
Monday, August 11 - Wednesday, August 13, 9 pmEnergy is not just a fuel. It’s an entire system that links our civilization together, says David Sanborn Scott, a hydrogen energy expert. Energy is like a currency: it can be used like money for different purposes. Throughout history, new energy sources and systems have replaced old ones. Understanding how this works is essential to combating catastrophic climate change. The series ends with a debate between David Scott and Norm Rubin of Energy Probe.
This series is also available on podcast at http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/features/hydrogen-solution/index.html.
Introducing the Canadian Network for Human Health and the Environment (CNHHE)
The CNHEE is a new Canadian-based network of non-governmental, research, health professional and policy organizations focusing on human health and the impacts of environmental exposures. Funded by Health Canada’s Safe Environments Programme, the network is currently welcoming new members from health-based NGOs which have an active interest in environmental impacts on human health, government policy-makers, researchers and healthcare professionals. Please visit http://www.cnhhe-rcshe.ca to learn more about their activities or to sign-up for their newsletter.
Inexpensive Office/Classroom/Meeting Space Available
YDC (Youth Development Corporation) and C4K (Computers for Kids) operate at 322 Ave C South in Saskatoon. We are looking for non-profit tenant(s) to share this space and help share the costs of this building. A significant portion of space is currently unused. The building is intended to benefit organizations working towards alleviating poverty. The rent is well below market price and includes all utilities excluding telephone. Space is available immediately.
Please phone 975-3955 or 934-0585 and ask for Keith or Kellie.
Coming Events
Regina
Green Drinks Regina
August 7th, 5:30 pm, Fireside Bistro, 2305 Smith St.Come on out for lively conversation and new connections! We have a room booked for the occasion so just ask your host(ess) to direct you to the Green Drinks reservation.
For those who haven’t yet attended our event, Green Drinks is an informal, come-and-go gathering of environmental professionals, business-people, students, and citizens interested in sustainability. This event is held the first Thursday of every month (note: the date has been moved from Friday for the summer months). Green Drinks Regina is part of an international network of Green Drinks events. For more information check out www.greendrinks.org. To be added to our email list please email: greendrinksregina@gmail.com. We’ll send you a monthly reminder about the event.
Rare Plant Identification Workshop
August 12th, Rm. LB 411.2, Dept. of Biology, U. of R.This is a workshop for anyone who wishes to be able to identify rare plants. The content of the course ranges from general botany for those not familiar with plant identification to basic surveying techniques and rare plant identification. The goal of these workshops is to get anyone interested in rare plants, regardless of skill level, to go out and look for them. The cost of this course is $25 which is fully refunded upon the completion of a rare plant survey form. Contact Chet at 668-3940 to register. Hosted by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.
Better Biking Brainstorming Meeting
Aug 14th, 7 pm at Knox Metropolitan ChurchRegina EcoLiving and Transport 2000 are cosponsoring this event to talk about Better Biking in Regina. For more information please contact cvtransport2000@yahoo.ca.
Missing Indigenous Women Conference
August 14th - 17th, ReginaAn International Conference on "Missing Women: Decolonization, Third Wave Feminisms, and Indigenous People of Canada and Mexico" will be held August 14-17, 2008 in Regina, Saskatchewan, presented by Luther College in conjunction with the Women's Studies Department and the University of Regina.
For more information, visit their website at: http://www.missingwomenregina.com.
Food for Thought Community Forum
August 26th,5:30 pm Westminster United ChurchFood for Thought, a community forum with a pot luck 100 mile supper menu at 5:30. Guest speaker is Alex Atamanenko, NDP Federal Agriculture critic, followed by a panel discussion of local food activists, including Don Mitchell and Paul Beingessner. This will held at the Westminster United Church on 13th Avenue and Cameron St.
Go Organic: Bike In Film Screening
August 29th, 8 pm, Central ParkThe Saskatchewan Filmpool and Rural Routes Film Festival are teaming up with local bicycling group, The Derailleurs, to bring you a Green Spin on the Drive In.
Rural Routes film festival brings rural stories to urban audiences around the world. We are featuring their Go Organic! film package. These films provide a refreshing education on the current state of agriculture, and point out positive sustainable and organic practices that you can take part in. Cost? Free!
Western Cycle will also be at the Bike In, generously offering an information session on bike maintenance and mini tune ups for people with bikes. The bike information session starts around 7:30, just before the screening! For more info visit: http://www.filmpool.ca.
Native Plant Society Workshop: Alien Plant Species
September 5th, 10 am - 3:30 pm, Biology Lab Building, U. of R.The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan (NPSS) is inviting you to attend one of its free workshops on Invasive Alien Plants.
Please pre-register ASAP to save your seat as space is limited. You can register by calling (306) 668-3940. Details at: http://www.npss.sk.ca/events.php#rare_plant.
Nuclear Energy Forum
October 21st, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, 2445 Albert St.Sponsored by Unitarian Church Social Justice Committee, Saskatoon Public Library, Canadian Nuclear Society (Saskatoon), Sask Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) and Canadian Nuclear Society (Regina). Admission is free.
Guest speakers:
Gordon Edwards: Dr. Gordon Edwards is the president of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and one of the foremost experts on nuclear energy in Canada. For over thirty years, he has brought transparency and accountability to every aspect of Canada's nuclear industry. He has acted as a consultant to many government organizations, such as the Auditor General of Canada, the Ontario Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning, the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs, and Sitting Task Force for Radioactive Waste.
Jeremy Whitlock: Dr. Jeremy Whitlock is an engineer with extensive experience in the nuclear industry, and he is past president of the Canadian Nuclear Society. The CNS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology.
Saskatoon
Youth Action Gathering
August 8th - 11thThe Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC) is pleased to announce Saskatoon’s first ever Youth Action Gathering (YAG), happening August 8-11, 2008. Youth from around Saskatoon ages 14-18 are invited to attend this day camp, which will feature workshops, speakers, and activities centered around issues of environmental sustainability and social justice.
The purpose of this gathering is to inform and educate youth on environmentalism, international development, and social justice issues and give them tools to create positive, proactive change in their communities. Topics we will cover include racism, sexism, homophobia, fair trade, war and conflict, water conservation, biking and bike repair, waste reduction, and more. We will also advise participants on ways they can become involved in local movements and projects, involving them in existing activism in Saskatoon.
If you are interested, please contact saskatoonyag@gmail.com to request a registration form or an information package, or join our facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22702302494 to receive updates and further information.
Critical Mass
August 9th, 4 pm, Vimy MemorialBicycle-safe streets: make it happen with Critical Mass. Join the Sierra Youth Action gathering on a leisurely yet determined ride through Saskatoon. 100 Bicycles can't be wrong - join us!
We Are Many Festival
August 22 - 24, Diefenbaker ParkFrom August 22nd to 24th, Saskatoon will be the site of We Are Many: A Festival, which presents a model of sustainability for mid-sized cities throughout North America. We Are Many (WAM) will use the energy and community spirit of the arts—music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual art—in taking a dramatic step toward becoming an environmentally friendly community. The festival will feature arts exhibits and performances as well as hands-on workshops and symposia on the whats, hows, and whys of sustainability.
More information at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.
Rammed Earth Construction Course - Level 1 & Launch of Saskatchewan Rammed Earth Construction Association
September 4th - 7th, Saskatoon For more information, contact Max Stadnyk at 260-9191.Rainbow Community Centre AGM
September 6th, 1 pm to 3 pm, 808 20th St. W., STW Lower HallYou are cordially invited to the Rainbow Resource Centre Annual General Meeting. Refreshments will be served. Not a member? Lifetime memberships for individuals may be purchased for $1.00. Organizations $10 yr. and corporations $20 yr.
For more information contact, phone 664-8724 or visit their web site at http://www.rainbowcommunitycentre.ca
Nuclear Energy Forum
October 20th, Third Avenue United ChurchSponsored by Unitarian Church Social Justice Committee, Saskatoon Public Library, Canadian Nuclear Society (Saskatoon), Sask Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) and Canadian Nuclear Society (Regina). Admission is free.
Guest speakers:
Gordon Edwards - Dr. Gordon Edwards is the president of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and one of the foremost experts on nuclear energy in Canada. For over thirty years, he has brought transparency and accountability to every aspect of Canada's nuclear industry. He has acted as a consultant to many government organizations, such as the Auditor General of Canada, the Ontario Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning, the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs, and Sitting Task Force for Radioactive Waste.
Jeremy Whitlock - Dr. Jeremy Whitlock is an engineer with extensive experience in the nuclear industry, and he is past president of the Canadian Nuclear Society. The CNS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology.
Other
Summer Workshops at Last Mountain Bird Observatory
August 9th and August 16th, 2008, Last Mountain Regional Park, SKIn August, 2008, Nature Saskatchewan is offering 1-day workshops at Last Mountain Bird Observatory, located at Last Mountain Regional Park, about 10 km. west of Govan. Both workshops will provide an opportunity to see how birds are caught in mist nets, handled as they are weighed, measured and banded, and then released. Alan Smith, Manager at LMBO, will demonstrate and speak about banding and the monitoring programs at LMBO.
Workshops are: Young Birder Workshop (ages 8-13) on August 9th and Teen & Adult Birding Workshop (ages 13+) on August 16th. To Register: contact the Nature Saskatchewan office at (306) 780-9273 or 1-800-667-4668 (SK only), or email: info@naturesask.ca. Please provide your name(s), phone number, mailing address and email address. There is NO COST to attend, but please register. Details at http://www.naturesask.ca/
First Annual Zero Waste Convention & Inventors Week
August 15th - 21st, Weyburn, SKFrom August 15 to 21, 2008 both university and high school interns will culminate their time with HELP by understudying professional engineers participating in HELP’s first annual Zero Waste Convention. HELP’s CERT (Center for Ecology Research and Training) is hosting volunteer engineers from several sponsoring firms who will be working in tandem with student interns to work on developing simple low cost technology for waste recycling and silviculture for home and community based industry.
SOEEA's Boreal Forest Ecotour
August 22, 23 and 24, 2008, Ness Creek, SKCome along with the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association as they explore and experience this unique and beautiful ecosystem. They are working with the Boreal Forest Learning Centre to offer an exciting program including local culture, music, storytelling, history, wildlife viewing and ecology.
There will be camping at picturesque Ness Creek; tenting at the Ness Creek site and the use of a communal kitchen is included in the registration. (you may upgrade to cabin accommodations at your own expense). All ages welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience a Northern Saskatchewan adventure!
Prices: $70 SOEEA members ($85 non-members, which includes a one year membership). Family and student rates available. To receive a registration form, please send an email to Tina Krupski at soeea.sk@gmail.com.
Greenhouse Workshop Series
August through October 2008, Craik Eco-Centre, Craik, SKDo you want to increase your growing season or learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and/or trees organically? Each workshop costs $50 and includes lunches for two days. For registration and more details please call Bridget & Crystal at 306-734-5160.
August 25 - 26 Design & Build Workshop with Dr. Lynn Oliphant. Design your own greenhouse and receive hands-on experience while constructing a simple low-cost greenhouse.
September 20 - 21 Organic Residential Greenhouse Management Workshop with Patricia Hanbidge. Learn the best ways to extend the growing season to feed your family healthy food.
October 18 - 19 Organic Commercial Greenhouse Management Workshop with Patricia Hanbidge. Learn how to create a commercial greenhouse business without the use of chemicals.
Brought to you by: Eco-Action Community Funding Program, Craik Sustainable Living Project, Palliser Regional Library Craik Branch, Town of Craik, Carlton Trail Regional College and boilingfrog.ca.
Field Trip: Great Sandhills and Leader Area
August 30th - September 1st, from SaskatoonJoin the Saskatoon Nature Society for a visit to the active dunes area south of Sceptre and do some birding along the South Saskatchewan River in the Leader area. We will depart Saturday morning and return late Monday. Call the leader no later than August 10th to confirm. For more information, contact Donna Bruce at 956-3437.
Non-Nuclear Training Camp
Sept. 12th - 14th, Crows Nest Ecology Preserve (near Fort Qu'Appelle)Facilitated by Jim Harding, Ph.D., author of Canada's Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System (Fernwood, 2007). Jim Harding, who has just returned from a 30-event speaking tour in BC, AB, ON, QU and SK, will bring a pan-Canadian perspective to Saskatchewan's place in the nuclear fuel system.
Limit of 20. Register at latest by August 31st c/o Ecology Camp, P.O. Box 2566, Fort Qu'Appelle, SK, SOG 1SO. $25 to cover costs. Cooperative meals. Bring tents and bedding. Some cabins available. And lots of fun.
Ecological Tours: Polar Bear Ecology
Churchill, ManitobaOct. 21 - 27 with Melanie Elliott
Oct. 28 - Nov.3 with Leslie Tuchek
Nov. 4 - 10 with Leslie Tuchek
For more information call 966-5484 at the University of Saskatchewan, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, or to register call 966-5539. These trips will fill up fast so avoid disappointment by registering early.
2008 Lake Louise Symposium: Lake Management in a Changing Environment
November 11 - 14, Lake Louise, AlbertaOnline registration is now open for NALMS’ 28th International Symposium in Lake Louise, Alberta. The symposium theme concerns lake management during unprecedented development, water scarcity, and climate change. Expect an excellent and wide-ranging technical program. More than 30 special sessions and several pre-conference workshops are proposed.
Early bird registration ends on September 19, 2008. Registration and information at http://www.nalms.org/Conferences/2008LakeLouise/.
Exploring the Connection: A State of the Science Conference on Pesticides and Cancer
November 12th - 13th, Toronto, OntarioThe Canadian Cancer Society, with support from the National Cancer Institute of Canada, will be hosting a conference on pesticides and cancer from November 12-13 in Toronto. Experts from organizations such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the WHO and the U.S. National Cancer Institute will lead discussions on the state of the science on pesticides and cancer. The focus of the conference will be on the non-cosmetic use of pesticides. For more information, please visit http://www.cancer.ca/pesticidesconference.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers Needed for We Are Many Festival
The Office of Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan is helping out the We Are Many Festival to recruit recycling and waste diversion volunteers. These volunteers will help to direct people attending the Festival on how to properly dispose of recyclables, compostables and waste. Volunteering at this Festival will be a great way to have, hear great music and get to know like-minded folks from across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.
We Are Many (WAM) is an arts and environmental festival emphasizing visible, practical, and permanent environmental outcomes. To learn more about the Festival, take a look at the festival website http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.
If you are interested in helping out this great community-based environmental initiative, fill out the on line form at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com/volunteers. Alternately, phone Margaress Asmuss, Sustainability Coordinator at University of Saskatchewan at (306) 966-1236 and she will pass on your contact information.
Volunteer Youth Engagement Coordinator: Creating Local Connections Canada
Creating Local Connections (CLC) Canada is a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting and supporting youth participation in Canada. CLC Canada is a three-year program (2006-2009) of TakingITGlobal with a goal of inspiring, informing, and involving youth as engaged participants in Canadian society through: awareness and access, collaboration and communication, and capacity building initiatives.
CLC is looking for a volunteer youth engagement coordinator for Saskatchewan. It would be their job to work closely with the host organization, facilitate workshops and open forums for local youth, attend youth events in their area and have meetings with youth groups and organizations. This is a volunteer position with monthly stipend, ranging from 200-400/mth, 10 - 15h/w. It is a nine month contract – September 2008 to May 2009.
To apply: Please write position title in email subject heading. Application will be reviewed immediately after submission, early applicants will be given priority. Submission Deadline: August 20, 2008. Please submit a resume and cover letter to the Communications Coordinator Mai Ngo at mai@TakingITGlobal.org. This position is open only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. For more information please contact: Mai Ngo at Mai@takingitglobal.org or (416) 977-9363 ext. 332.
Job Opportunities/Call for Delegates/Proposals
Coordinator: Homeless Individuals and Families Information System Initiative
Location: Community University Institute for Social Research (CUISR), SaskatoonProject: “Better Together… Coordinating the Homeless Information Initiatives in Saskatoon for the Purpose of Moving the Homeless and Housing Strategies Forward”. HIFIS provides homeless shelters and service providers with improved operational capacity and allows communities the opportunity to collect data of vital local and national significance.
Term: 25 hours per weeks starting August 15th 2008 until March 31st 2009. Salary: Approximately $19,230 paid over the term of the project in a monthly salary. Deadline: August 8th 2008. Full job description at http://www.usask.ca/hrd/work/employment_research_all.php
Executive Director, Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op
Location: SaskatoonCNYC is seeking a dynamic and skilled Executive Director, to fill a one year Maternity Leave position. CNYC requires a strong, energetic leader who believes in the youth of the core neighbourhoods and has the skills and abilities to work with, support and inspire them. The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization including operational management, program delivery, human resource management, fundraising, and community relations. The position receives direction and support from the CNYC Board of Directors.
Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC) strives to empower at-risk youth by providing them with innovative skill training, part time employment, and cultural and recreational opportunities. Youth work towards completing their high school education as well as learning skills such as woodworking that they can use towards gaining employment in the community.
Please send cover letter and resume to the CYNC Hiring Committee via email to hr@cnyc.ca by August 8, 2008.
Full job description at http://cnyc.ca/news.html#job.
Data & Mapping Coordinator, Project Porchlight
Location: Saskatchewan (Regina & Saskatoon)Data & Mapping Coordinator works closely with and reports to the Regional Manager in order to administer Project Porchlight. The Data & Mapping Coordinator is responsible for the collection, entry and accuracy of data and for generating reports on that data. Position Type: Temporary full-time (about 5-month contract with possible extension). Number of positions: 2 (Regina & Saskatoon). Salary Range: $45,000 (pro-rated for the 5 month contract).
Project Porchlight is an energy efficiency campaign administered by One Change, a not-for-profit organization that advocates community engagement and environmental sustainability. One Change will be working with other participating groups to bring a variety of energy efficient residential lighting campaigns to residents of Saskatchewan.
Details at: http://www.projectporchlight.com/content/saskatchewan-data-and-mapping-coordinator This employment opportunity deadline has been extended: please submit a cover letter and resume to patricia@onechange.org.
Station 20 West Fundraiser
Location: SaskatoonThe Station 20 West Development Corporation requires an experienced fundraiser to assist the board and the project co-ordinator to develop and implement a fundraising campaign. In addition the fundraiser will provide support to a strategic fundraising committee. The position will focus on gift opportunities above $50,000. The fundraiser will work directly with the board, project co-ordinator, fundraising committee and volunteers to raise approximately 2 million dollars.
If you have a solid background in major gift fundraising and are looking to be part of an exciting and socially important project, we invite your application. We hope to have a fundraiser in place by mid August or early September. Resumes may be e-mailed to: station20west@chep.org or faxed to [306] 655-5512. Resumes may also be dropped off or mailed to: Station 20 West Development Corporation, Rm. 223, 230 Ave R South, Saskatoon, Sask. S7M 0Z9.
Drinking Water Quality Research Scientist Position
The Safe Drinking Water Foundation is hiring a Research Scientist to work in the national office in Saskatoon, SK. The position requires working on complex issues relating to water quality in which analysis of water samples and analysis of existing data are compared to evaluate effectiveness of water treatment processes. An ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills to enable positive communication with community leaders and Water Treatment Operators, plus excellent writing skills to prepare simple easy to understand articles for publication in industry related publications. Publication in scientific journals is also encouraged.
This is a two year term position, with excellent potential growth in the future for the successful candidate. The workplace provides both challenges and rewards which will inspire quality and creativity. Qualifications: Minimum Masters prefer Ph.D. in related Sciences. Salary: negotiable relative to qualifications.
Details here: http://www.safewater.org/employment.php.
CCPA Online Communications Officer
Location: OttawaThe Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is seeking an Online Communications Officer to join their National Office staff team in Ottawa. This position supports and extends the CCPA’s ongoing communications and outreach efforts. It involves a mix of external communications, administration, creative services and technical computer support.
Closing date: August 15, 2008, 4 pm EST. Starting date: September 2008. Duration: Six-month part-time contract (3 days/week) with possibility of extension. Salary: To be determined. Full description at http://www.policyalternatives.ca/national_office_jobs/index.cfm.
Call for Letters of Proposals for Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund
The Government of Canada has committed $3.6 million over four years to this Fund to provide support for solution-oriented projects aimed at reducing nutrient loads, and improving the ecological sustainability of the lake and watershed. The first deadline for proposals is September 1, 2008. A second deadline is scheduled for January 5, 2009.
This call for proposals is directed at funding collaborative projects with the goal of improving water quality for ecological and recreational uses of Lake Winnipeg and its basin.
If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact Rick Slasor, Manager of Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund at (204) 984-5694, toll free at 1-800-567-1570, or by e-mail at LW.info@ec.gc.ca. Details at: http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/water/lw/index.en.html.
U of S $50,000 BioVenture Challenge Business Plan Competition Launched
The University of Saskatchewan Industry Liaison Office (ILO) and Saskatchewan Agriculture are sponsoring the 2008 BioVenture Business Plan Challenge to assist youth with launching their bio-based business ideas. This year’s contestants will be vying for the ultimate prize—$50,000 in startup capital. To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be U. of S. students or graduates less than 35 years of age.
Five finalists will be chosen from eligible applicants who submit an application letter explaining their idea. These finalists will receive in-depth training and guidance in preparing their business plans, including a business planning workshop featuring academic and private-sector guest lecturers who specialize in business planning and the bio-economy.
The BioVenture Business Plan Challenge was launched last year to showcase new entries into Saskatchewan’s growing bio-economy. Brother and sister team Rachel and Chris Buhler won the inaugural competition with their plan for Floating Gardens, an aquaponic system that combines fish farming and hydroponics greenhouse techniques. Their goal is to produce live fish for sale to the local Asian community, fresh fish for sale to a broader market, and fresh strawberries year round.
Interested entrepreneurs can visit http://www.usask.ca/research/ilo/bioventure.php or phone the Industry Liaison Office at 306-966-7338 to obtain an application. Initial proposals are due Friday, August 29th.
Possible Large Composting Opportunity
Location: SaskatoonA Saskatoon waste management company which has been hauling thousands of kilograms of waste from a food processing plant to the dump would really like to find a better way to deal with it. It is mostly corn, lettuce, potatoes and tomatoes. Would it work to compost it on the farm, mixing it with organic straw and/or wood chips then use it as a soil builder? It is a large volume of material, but it is a real shame that this is just going to the dump, probably rotting under piles of old mattresses, plastic bags etc, and producing methane instead of being used to replenish the soil.
If you would like to take on a big composting job, phone Leon at (306) 242-3035 and his email is lbourner@wm.com.