Leadership scholarship
Avery Brigden, a first-year student in the land and water resources program at Olds College in Olds, Alta., has been awarded one of this country’s most prestigious scholarships.
Brigden is one of 48 students in Canada to be included on the list of Garfield Weston Merit Scholars. The scholarship, which involves up to $50,000 for each recipient, is awarded annually to students who show leadership skills, a strong dedication to their field of study and a commitment to their communities.
Brigden, 19, grew up on a cattle farm in Souris, Man., a town of 1,500 people south of Brandon.
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He attended his first roping school when he was 10 and competed with the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association for four years, eventually becoming vice-president. He volunteered on a committee that hosted the province’s only high school rodeo hosted and organized by students. By grade 12, he was president of the provincial committee.
Sask. in China
Saskatchewan agriculture minister Mark Wartman is leading a trade mission to Japan and China to explore and promote Saskatchewan investment and trade opportunities.
The mission began Jan. 21 and will conclude Feb. 6.
Wartman said it is essential that Saskatchewan establish relationships and ensure continued market access to Japan and China. Delegates will also discuss current trade issues, such as tariffs.
In 2005, Saskatchewan exported $486 million of agricultural products to Japan, mainly oilseeds, wheat, durum, barley and pork. With an estimated population of 1.3 billion, China is projected to become the world’s largest food and agri-products market within the next two decades.
Spirit award
Nominations are open for Community Resources’ 2007 Spirit Award for community-based organizations in Saskatchewan.
The awards recognize the work of community organizations that deliver programs and services to Saskatchewan residents. Three awards will be presented: people with disabilities; children, youth and families; and housing.
A team comprising academics and community and aboriginal representatives will evaluate nominations and select a recipient in each category.
Award presentations will take place in late spring in the recipients’ home communities. Approximately 540 organizations are eligible for the Spirit Award in 2007.
Nominations close March 15.
Manitoba immigration
Manitoba immigration levels have reached their highest level since 1957.
Manitoba received 9,989 immigrants in 2006, an increase of 23.4 percent from 2005. Final numbers are expected to increase when Citizenship and Immigration Canada finalizes its 2006 landed immigrant data.
Manitoba’s top immigrant source countries in 2006 were the Philippines at 2,536, Germany at 1,618, India at 863, China at 544 and South Korea at 425.
