A Supplement of the MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 Maple Leaf’s heart beats in Brandon

BY MATT GOERZEN at the plant from 1,400 people to 2,300. But finding workers for the first shift It has been 10 years since what is — let alone a second shift — was prov- now known as the Maple Leaf ing difficult, due to low unemployment Consumer Foods plant in Brandon first locally and a high turnover rate at the started operations. plant. And while the city and the plant As a result of the human resources have both experienced growing pains problem, Maple Leaf decided to recruit since the startup, the workers from other mutual relationship parts of Canada, and between the two has eventually from beyond been extremely suc- the country’s borders. cessful, Maple Leaf The first workers — Foods president and from Mexico — began CEO Michael McCain arriving in early 2002. says. But it would take “We couldn’t be another four years, and more pleased with our government approval decision 10 years ago for an upgraded waste- to invest in Brandon,” water treatment facili- McCain told the Sun. ty, before the plant “The community and would finally begin sec- A livestock truck exits the Maple Leaf plant in Brandon’s east end. (File) the city have been ond-shift preparations. great partners. Once the prepara- “All the stakehold- tion for a second shift ers, from the munici- on both the kill floor pal side to provincial and the cutting floor Congratulations government and the was finally complete in unions, all can justly Maple Leaf Foods president 2008, the facility to our partner be proud of this as a and CEO Michael McCain began slaughtering social and commercial more than 80,000 hogs in the production success story for all of per week, making it .” the largest of its kind in the country. of great food! While Canada’s largest food process- “The second shift has been imple- ing company is headquartered in mented near flawlessly. As that was , McCain notes that the heart of completed we’ve checked off all the Maple Leaf Foods beats in Brandon. goals for the facility that were set.” “The Brandon plant is a flagship to The decision to forge ahead ulti- our organization,” McCain said. “We mately transformed the very flavour of have redefined our strategy and the city, with people from China, Brandon is a centrepiece to that strate- Ukraine, Colombia, El Salvador, the gy.” island of Mauritius, Honduras and Impressively, the Brandon plant has Mexico adding their distinctive cultures hit every major business target that to the community. was first envisioned by Maple Leaf Brandon’s once-stagnant population executives, though McCain admits the has begun to grow, city schools have first years were “rather rough.” witnessed a jump in student enrolment On Aug. 30, 1999, the first hog was and new housing developments have slaughtered at the plant, and little sprung up all over the community. more than a week later, the company McCain says the city administration sent its first shipment of pork destined deserves a lot of praise for keeping an for the overseas market. open line of communication with the 800 Rosser Avenue By early 2001, the company company and finding ways to make in the Town Centre announced plans for a second shift that growth happen. 571-3838 was to boost the number of employees » See ‘Future’ — Page 3 www.dineremingtons.com MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 3

An aerial view of the 10-year-old plant.Maple Leaf president and CEO Michael McCain says the plant is the company’s “flagship.” (File) Future very bright « Continued from Page 2

“The community collaboration in assimilating foreign workers has been absolutely spectacular,” McCain said. After a decade of major changes, McCain said the Brandon plant will not be static, even though the com- pany’s initial goals have been real- ized. And the future, he said, lies in adding more value to the food they already produce. “Every time a sailor reaches the horizon, they look for a new one. That’s the core strategy of our organ- ization, and the Brandon team is no exception. “The future looks very, very bright.” Workers on the processing plant’s cut- » [email protected] ting floor. (Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun)

Ewan Pow — Publisher James O’Connor — Managing Editor Jim Lewthwaite — City Editor This supplement was co-ordinated by night editor Matt Goerzen, with contributions by Allison Dowd, Colleen Cosgrove, Joanne F. Villeneuve, Ian Hitchen, Jillian Austin, Bruce Bumstead, Colin Corneau and Tim Smith. MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 The beginning of a great relationship

BY MATT GOERZEN overlooks St. Claire Avenue in downtown Toronto. Atkinson says he remembers the office as a “fami- Just 10 days after he was elected as Brandon’s ly-friendly” place, with pictures of McCain’s wife and 37th mayor, boarded a plane bound for kids lining the walls. Toronto to meet Maple Leaf Foods president Michael As he walked in the door, McCain immediately got McCain. up to shake Atkinson’s hand, and told him that out of It was the fall of 1997, and the stakes were high all the cities that were under consideration, only for the newly minted mayor. Brandon’s mayor had bothered to come to see him In a process that began under his predecessor, personally. , the City of Brandon was trying to land “(That) surprised me, quite frankly. We both had a Maple Leaf’s next hog processing plant, a $112-mil- business background, and we hit it off.” lion facility that promised new jobs and economic That business acumen was the driving force to growth for the Prairie city. make the trip to Toronto in the first place, Atkinson But Brandon was not alone in its aspirations. said. In his mind, face-to-face dealings allow each Other communities had responded to Maple Leaf’s Former Brandon mayor Reg Atkinson didn’t start party to get a sense of the other, making any future call for bids, including , Selkirk, Beausejour, the process of attracting Maple Leaf, but he trav- relations that much simpler. Russell, Virden, Morris, Dauphin, Gimli and towns elled to Toronto soon after taking office because he “Once you know the person on the phone, you don’t throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. didn’t want the opportunity to slip away. (Bruce have to go to Toronto,” Atkinson said. “We had to Six months had gone by since Maple Leaf made the Bumstead/Brandon Sun) learn about each other, and the best way to do it was initial call, and time for persuasion was running out. eye to eye. We ended up with a great relationship.” “This was an important thing for Brandon,” start it. And I didn’t want to lose it either.” Atkinson told the Sun in a recent interview. “I didn’t He took a cab to McCain’s office building, which » See ‘Became’ — Page 6 Congratulations on 10 great years!

We’re proud to be doing business with Maple Leaf.

R E T A L S don mayor don Reg mayor R A E Y 0 t before construction began. construction before t (File) 1 — F FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 FRIDAY, A E L E L P A Maple Leaf Leaf Maple Maple Leaf Leaf Maple M 396 Park Avenue East Avenue Park 396 Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Brandon, MB • 727-3301 727-3301 • MB Brandon, www.acklandsgrainer.com INDUSTRIAL • SAFETY • FASTENERS • SAFETY • INDUSTRIAL on your first 10 years. years. 10 first your on on your first 10 years. years. 10 first your on We wish you continued continued you wish We We wish you continued continued you wish We Maple Maple Leaf Michael McCain (left) president and Bran growth over the next 10. next the over growth : growth over the next 10. next the over growth E An artist’s rendering of the planned plant. planned the of rendering artist’s An : V T O F B E L A Atkinson (right) at the site of the processing plan processing the of site the at (right) Atkinson In In a Dec. 28, 1997, Sun article, “I was just a spoke on the wheel Not long after the announcement, both even McCain now, and Yet than More a Atkinson decade later, The two meet as friends on occasion Though Atkinson still to refuses take Whether it had any bearing on the

Atkinson Atkinson attempted to set the record straight, the crediting tremendous work done by people with expertise he before ever took office. who helped get the on signature the dotted line.” Atkinson had posted a sign on the inside of his stating: office “It door, is amazing how much we can accomplish when no one who cares gets the cred- it.” Maple Leaf Consumer Foods plant manager Leo Collins Atkinson’s credit passion and salesmanship for helping to swing the deal. — now the of reeve the RM of Cornwallis number — keeps McCain’s on his cellphone. and continue to exchange Christmas cards. much of the he credit, does admit that first meeting with McCain had some significance, at least to him personally. final outcome, well ... “I don’t sure think it hurt, I’ll tell you that.” [email protected] » What What Atkinson At the end of the “My tone to him was, ‘I’ll help you Nearly the months three plant later, believe, after “We close to a year’s Maple Leaf officials told Toronto said Filmon Gary Then-premier would not “We have made this Brandon also jumped to the of front seen “They’re as very aggressive, though, a Westman large Around 6 Became Became area’s employer largest « Continued from Page 4 Page from Continued « learned during that fateful meeting was that McCain’s biggest concern The was labour. company needed access to a large enough labour force to make the plant viable. it all day, came down to numbers. And Atkinson pledged his help the ensure numbers added up. have make to it pay work. the You bills, but I’ll help you make it work.’” was to awarded Brandon, destined to become southwestern Manitoba’s employer. largest investigation ... that Brandon is the best place Canada in to Western locate such McCain a said facility,” when he final announced choice the company’s news conference. during a Toronto media second- they picked Manitoba’s city largest because of its plentiful supply of hogs, feed grain and labour. list the of top the to moved Manitoba his and hogs high-quality its of because policies. pork open-market government’s investment without it,” McCain conceded. the line because of its entrepreneur- ship, Filmon would add. seen they’re as being a good place to do business,” Filmon said. amount of was credit given to Atkinson for closing the deal. MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 7 Hog producers have seen benefits

BY MATT GOERZEN both locally and internationally. Hog producers have been hurt by a While Brandon’s Maple Leaf combination of a high Canadian dollar, Consumer Foods plant this year cele- a doubling of the cost of livestock feed, brates 10 years in operation, troubles new country of origin labelling (COOL) in Canada’s hog sector have taken a requirements in the U.S. and the stigma bit of the sheen off the anniversary attached to H1N1 influenza, still celebration. referred to by some as swine flu. Nevertheless, Manitoba’s hog produc- Prices are sinking and farmers now ers have been “very fortunate” to have lose $30 to $40 for every hog produced. Canada’s largest processing plant in Industry leaders such as Wishart their own backyard, industry leaders and Manitoba Pork Council president say. Karl Kynoch have credited the Brandon “Here we are worrying away these plant with saving the bacon of produc- days about market access in the U.S., ers, who were badly hurt when U.S. and here we have a world-class plant plants stopped taking Canadian animals located in Manitoba for the hog sector,” after COOL was implemented. Keystone Agricultural Producers presi- And the fact that Brandon completed dent Ian Wishart told the Sun. its preparations for a second shift on “Over the last 10 years, their contri- the kill and cutting room floors in 2008 bution to the industry has been huge.” A second shift on the kill and cutting room floors was added at the plant in was very beneficial, not only for the Canada’s hog industry has taken producers, but Maple Leaf as well. 2008. (Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun) some major hits in the last few years, » See ‘Timing’ — Page 8

Congratulations on all your success in the past 10 years & we look forward to working with you in the future!

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on 10 successful years in Brandon

Boxes of pork products are prepared for shipping on the Maple Leaf packing floor. (Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun) ‘Timing was perfect’ « Continued from Page 7 Just recently, Ottawa pledged $500 million to $1 billion to back up finan- “The timing was perfect,” Maple Leaf cial institutions that offer loans to hog Consumer Foods plant manager Leo producers to help them through a lean Collins said. period. “As soon as we double shifted, all this Kynoch, however, believes the finan- COOL legislation came in.” cial crisis in the hog industry means “If we wouldn’t have had that opportu- most farmers are already leveraged to nity (to sell to Maple Leaf), a lot of those the hilt, and many won’t qualify. producers would have been pushed right As a result, many producers may out of business,” Kynoch said. choose to depopulate their operations “Some of those that haven’t gotten or to go out of business entirely. space in Maple Leaf have had to ship to If that happens, Collins says Maple Alberta. You’re looking at about $15-$20 Leaf may look at changing its strategy. in added costs. Any time you have to ship At the moment, the company supplies pigs elsewhere, you get added freight up to 20 per cent of its own animals for costs.” slaughter. As the largest buyer of hogs in the “Do we want to own more? It comes province, the company currently has a down to hog ownership at the end of 90,000 hog per week slaughter capacity. the day,” Collins said. Manitoba’s live hog export problems have Manitoba Agriculture Minister increased the pool of contract hogs, Rosann Wowchuk still has hopes that which could allow Maple Leaf to surpass Brandon’s pork processing facility could that capacity. spin off into other value-added produc- “A lot of that will be contingent on tion in Manitoba, which would further what the overall supply of hogs will be in aid livestock producers. Manitoba,” Collins said. “(But) as we “I hope within the next 10 years, we look at our crystal ball moving forward, will see further processing of our agri- we feel there’s going to be an ample sup- cultural products,” Wowchuk said. ply of hogs.” As for the hog industry, Wowchuk One of the largest benefits to notes that it’s a “cyclical” industry, Manitoba has been the economic devel- “and I know it will come back up opment that has occurred in the region again.” since Maple Leaf started up the plant in 1999. » [email protected] MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 9 Wastewater treatment needed for growth

BY ALLISON DOWD The wastewater dollars It’s an $87-million civic facility that has helped Who has paid what: Maple Leaf Consumer Foods processing plant expand its production to nearly 90,000 hogs per week. • City of Brandon — $23.4 million (land pur- And at the same time, the construction of chase, site servicing and funding for all three Brandon’s industrial wastewater treatment plant has phases of construction) set Brandon on a course for industrial and residen- • Province of Manitoba — $25.4 million (funding tial growth well into the 2030s. for all three phases of construction) The plant’s creation was borne out of necessity • Government of Canada — $20.4 million (fund- when Maple Leaf announced it would set up shop in ing for second and third phases of construction) the Wheat City more than 10 years ago. • Maple Leaf Consumer Foods — $17.5 million “When the industrial wastewater treatment facility (funding for all three phases of construction) was built, we decided as a council that we would own Tens of millions of federal, provincial, municipal • Wyeth Organics — $8.5 million (funding for the it,” Brandon Mayor Dave Burgess said. “That was and private industry money has flowed into the second and third phases of construction) something that we felt was the right way to move and industrial wastewater treatment facility. (File) » Brandon Sun I think it’s proven to be the right way.” The city purchased and serviced a piece of land at by the province and the city — allowed Maple Leaf to undertaken shortly after and has just recently 4040 Victoria Ave. E. to kickstart the plant’s con- process 46,000 hogs per week. Maple Leaf then entered the commission phase. To this point, it is struction in 1999. Since then, tens of millions of fed- kicked in its own cash for a significant upgrade in passing all tests with flying colours, according to eral, provincial, municipal and private industry 2007, bumping its production up to 75,000 hogs the city’s director of engineering and water services, money has flowed into the facility. each week. Ian Christiansen. Phase 1 of the plant — the cost of which was split Phase 2 construction of the treatment plant was » See ‘Phase 3’ — Page 10 Congratulations on 10 Years!

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BY ALLISON DOWD water treatment,” said the city’s management systems. director of engineering and water Partnering with all levels of gov- Upon completion, Brandon’s services, Ian Christiansen. ernment to bring the city’s industri- industrial wastewater treatment “What we take out of the river al wastewater plant to completion plant will be the first in Manitoba to use for Brandon and what we — plus a $2.5-million investment to be fully compliant with Clean put back into the river, it’s actually into the processing facility’s pre- Environment Commission stan- of much better quality than what treatment water plant — have dards for nutrient removal. we’ve received,” Mayor Dave been key in proving their commit- It will facilitate a 77 per cent Burgess added. “We’re actually ment to the environment, said reduction in phosphorus levels and improving the river as we send it Maple Leaf manager Leo Collins. a 65 per cent reduction in nitrogen down.” “We’re one of the very few hog levels within the treated water Improving it so much so that processing facilities in North being returned to the Assiniboine Maple Leaf was recognized by the America that have wastewater River. American Meat Institute regulations as stringent as we do Already, the water that is treat- Foundation (AMIF) earlier this — and we meet them on a daily ed from the Maple Leaf Consumer year with a Tier 2 award under its basis. Foods plant and returned to the Environmental MAPS program. “For the naysayers that say river is literally pristine enough to The awards are given annually having a hog processing facility is drink. by the AMIF to recognize a compa- detrimental to the environment ... “It’s kind of an oxymoron, ny’s dedication to continuous envi- we’re going to be leading the maybe, but the more growth you ronmental development demon- (environmental) pack here.” Work is set to begin on Phase 3 of the wastewater have, the more you are prompted strated by the development and » [email protected] treatment plant project in 2010. (File) do something with your waste- implementation of environmental Phase 3 on the way Universal Doors Ltd.

« Continued from Page 9 “We can really promote would like to “There’s filters in the form of mem- that we have that capacity branes that have been added and that congratulate Maple Leaf on gives us the ability to meet all of the and ability to take on province’s nutrient limitations,” more industries.” Christiansen said. “It’s virtually a fool- their first 10 years! proof treatment system.” Phase 3 has recently received mil- Mayor Dave Burgess lions in federal and provincial support, with work set to begin on the project already been announced ... but we st Choice For Service! next year. have another one that’s right around 1 Choice For Sales! Besides facilitating additional week- the corner by the looks of it.” ly production at Maple Leaf to a maxi- The plant’s expansion will also facil- mum of 95,000 hogs, the expansion is itate the diversion of the city’s residen- STILL ON HWY #1 allowing existing industries like Wyeth tial water to the site for better treat- NEXT TO PIK-A-DILLY! Organics to expand their operations ment. and paves the way for new industries “We’re set for 2035, at least, as far 550 Highland Avenue to come on stream. as having the provisions for growth in Brandon, Manitoba “Now we can really promote that we the city of Brandon,” Burgess said. have that capacity and ability to take “Brandon is destined for a lot of on more industries,” Burgess said. “We growth and we want to be ready for it.” do have one industry coming on, as 26 729-8252 (phosphate manufacturer) Phoscan has » [email protected] YEARS www.universaldoors.ca MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 11

The Maple Leaf employees in the photos above have been with the company from the day it opened its Brandon plant. (Glen Parker/Brandon Sun)

It is with great pride and honor that the employees of Leblanc would like to congratulate Maple Leaf and the employees in Brandon, for their past, present and future success.

10 years ago, Maple Leaf had the ambition to build a pork processing facility in Brandon that would set the standards for the industry in North America. Today, we can easily say that Maple Leaf not only achieved, but surpassed their original goals. It is something that the Brandon community can be proud of. Congratulations on 10 years of success! MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 12 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 Civic services expanding, adapting

BY ALLISON DOWD manager Carla Richardson. “There are 32 and a half service Search every corner of the Wheat hours a day (for buses) that go out to City and you’d be hard-pressed to find Maple Leaf,” she said. “If you factor in a single civic service that has not been all of the overloads and our regular enhanced by the arrival of Maple Leaf service, it’s an over $500,000 cost Consumer Foods 10 years ago. annually to serve Maple Leaf.” “Maple Leaf coming to Brandon and However, the increasing use of the the expansion of our population city’s transit system by Maple Leaf’s (through) new people and new immi- employees and their families has also grants has helped us to improve our positively contributed to its bottom city,” Brandon Mayor Dave Burgess line, helping the city’s transit system says. “(With) all services, we’ve had to crack the one million ridership mark in take a look at what increases there recent years. needs to be.” In 2008, the city recorded a rider- Perhaps one of the most visible ship of 1,112,559, compared to service enhancements are those pro- 740,509 in 1999, she said. vided for within the city’s transit sys- To further reflect the changing tem. demographic of those riders, the city Five dedicated city buses travel to has begun publishing its user guide in Maple Leaf each day, carrying about English, French, Chinese and Spanish. 1,000 employees to and from their Five dedicated city buses travel to Maple Leaf Consumer Foods each day, car- workplace, according to transit services rying about 1,000 employees. (File) » See ‘Recreation’ — Page 13 Company is major driver of city’s population growth

BY ALLISON DOWD “While certainly not all of our Brandon’s population has jumped by population growth is attributed nearly 3,000 people in the years since Maple Leaf Consumer Foods began to Maple Leaf, it certainly welcoming foreign immigrant workers is a significant driver of to town. Manitoba Health statistics provided population growth.” by the city’s economic development Congratulations Maple Leaf department show that in 2001, the on celebrating your 10th Anniversary. city’s population was 42,839. — Sandy Trudel By 2008, Manitoba Health had recorded the Wheat City’s population to almost the equivalency of family mem- Best wishes on continued success be 45,758 people — an increase of bers. Right there, there’s 3,000 peo- 2,919 residents. ple,” she said. for your future! And while there are likely several “While certainly not all of our popu- different reasons for that increase, it’s lation growth is attributed to Maple hard not to ignore the fact that the Leaf, it certainly is a significant driver spike is almost identical to Maple of population growth.” Leaf’s current employee and family Historically, Brandon’s population 1836 Brandon Ave. complement, economic development growth has been slow and steady, offer- officer Sandy Trudel indicated. ing a predictable growth pattern. But Brandon, MB “In foreign workers alone, there’s growth patterns changed with the addi- 1,500 workers that have been brought tion of Maple Leaf, Trudel said. 725-4223 into Maple Leaf, and then there’s » See ‘More — Page 13 We’ve Been Expecting You! MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 13 Recreation enhanced « Continued from Page 12 have also been enhanced to reflect the interests of the city’s new citizens, Maple Leaf is also one of the city’s Burgess added. largest consumers of water, using He points to the addition of outdoor YOU KEEP THINKING TO YOURSELF, between 4,500 and 5,500 cubic metres ping-pong as one of the featured sports per day. at the new recreational hub on one day I WILL REMODEL MY To facilitate the company’s water Aberdeen Avenue — a direct result of UGLY BATH. NEW TUB AND NEW use, the city has invested in excess of consultations with the city’s growing WALLS. SHINY AND BRIGHT. $23 million for the development of an Chinese population. BATH FITTER ® SAYS THAT DAY IS industrial wastewater treatment facility. Add to that the countless budget It also fast-tracked a 15-year plan dollars spent to improve municipal HERE. VISIT BATHFITTER.COM. PICK for general water production upgrades roads, sanitation services, economic YOUR TUB. PICK YOUR WALLS. PICK to the tune of $2.2 million over five development and public safety, and it’s YOUR COLOR. WE COME OUT, years. hard to deny that Brandon has not been MEASURE AND INSTALL. YOU LOVE IT. “Every community has the ability to changed for the better with the intro- produce more (water) than what their duction of Maple Leaf and its thou- THAT ONE DAY IS NOW HERE. current demand is,” says Ian sands of employees, Burgess conclud- ONE DAY AND it’s done. Christiansen, Brandon’s director of ed. engineering services and water “It very much has helped our city resources. grow. In a great way, it has put us on a “They hold that in reserve for growth continual path of progress and improv- and the ability to attract industry. ing our city,” he said. “And through a Maple Leaf eroded that when they time of economic turndown, we’ve con- came to town, but that’s the exact rea- tinued to prosper and move forward. son that we had it. We needed to build “(Maple Leaf) has played a big part that back ... and now, we’ve got a 20 in our success for this city.” per cent increase in water capacity.” Other services, such as recreation, » [email protected] More newcomers on the way

« Continued from Page 12 City of Brandon Census Populations it’s created that Statistics Canada 1977 34,901 sense of opportu- For example, the 1979 37,725 nity and growth. last census done by 1982 36,343 “When you can 1986 38,708 Statistics Canada in 1992 38,567 talk about a com- 2006 saw Brandon’s 1996 39,175 munity where the population increase 2001 39,716 population’s grow- three times more 2006 41,511 ing and getting than the jump City of Brandon Population younger, it makes Manitoba Health Statistics recorded in 2001. 2001 42,839 your job that And Brandon is 2002 42,899 much easier.” on track to welcome 2003 43,020 The Wheat 2004 43,725 even more foreign 2005 44,329 City’s birth rates citizens. 2006 44,887 have also www.bathfitter .com Over the next 18 2007 44,998 increased over the 2008 45,758 months, further past several years family reunification (City of Brandon) since Maple Leaf will bring about set up shop in Call NOW for a FREE in•home estimate 2,500 newcomers to Brandon. Brandon to be with family members In 2000-01, Brandon RHA statistics 1•866•494•1324 already working at Maple Leaf, Trudel indicate there were 544 babies born at noted. the Brandon Regional Health Centre, “Maple Leaf has acted as a catalyst while in 2006-07, the birth rate had (204) 726•1918 for the local economy,” she said. “It’s shot up to 649 births for the year.

Unit B, 1128B 18th St., Brandon © 2009 Bath Fitter all rights reserved. brought national attention to the city ... » [email protected] MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 14 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 EAL: ‘You feel part of the community’

BY ALLISON DOWD

To watch William Vallecios and Andriy Trokhym stride confidently down the halls of Brandon’s Vincent Massey high school, laughing and conversing, it’s hard to believe the two young men couldn’t speak a word of English just two short years ago. William Vallecios Vallecios and Trokhym are among of El Salvador the hundreds of immigrant children (left) and Andriy who, after joining their Maple Leaf Trokhym of employee parents in the Wheat City, Ukraine reflect have benefited from the English as an on their Additional Language instruction provid- experiences ed by the Brandon School Division. After emigrating from El Salvador in in moving to 2007, Vallecios recalls he was embar- the Wheat City. rassed and unsure to be a part of the classroom. (Bruce Bumstead/ “It was pretty awful,” the 18-year-old Brandon Sun) said. “It was like a bad dream. Everything was different. The teacher would speak and I would just sit in the chair and think, ‘What they heck are around since he came to Canada in the they talking about?’” summer of 2007. But through dedicated EAL classes “It is tougher, but I like school and then eventual integration into the here,” he said. “Back in Ukraine, I did- regular classroom, Vallecios said he n’t want to go to school because it was can participate in classroom discussion it was boring, but here it’s fun. We’ve — in English — without fear. got games and stuff to help us learn. “Now it’s easy. I can participate a lot That way, we are learning faster than in class and it doesn’t matter. I don’t normal.” get nervous ... I feel like I’m getting Currently employed in the kitchen of Maple Leaf everything right now,” he said. a local restaurant, Trokhym said he Able to walk down the street and now finds himself conversing with his return the friendly hellos from passers- Ukrainian co-workers in English “just on your 10th Anniversary. by and to converse openly with English- for fun because it’s so cool” and using speaking friends, Vallecios said he feels English as much as he can outside of like he can truly call himself a school. Best wishes for continued success. Brandonite. “My speaking is way better right “You feel that feeling that you never now,” he said. “We can talk with teach- felt the first day you were in Canada. ers, make conversation with friends in Now and into the future. You feel part of the community now.” school and even on the phone.” With future plans to attend universi- On track to graduate next year, ty and study engineering, he credits the Trokhym is already planning to attend Free Subscribe Now! help from his EAL teachers and the Assiniboine Community College. encouragement of his family with set- “It’s made the difference,” he said. www.canadiantire.ca ting him on the road to success. “They teach us how to say words cor- “My mother put the opportunity in rectly, how to use sentences in the my hands and said, ‘Get it. If you don’t proper way. It’s helped me a lot.” 1655 – 18th Street get it, you will lose everything in your Vincent Massey has the largest con- Brandon, MB life.’” tingent of EAL registrants across the 728•5801 Trokhym, a 17-year-old native of division’s 22 schools, at 110 students. allace Ltd. Ukraine, says his opinion of school has J. Grant W done a complete 180-degree turn- » [email protected] At Maple Leaf Consumer Foods we are committed Maple Leaf Consumer Foods, Canada’s leading to environmental responsibility, good corporate food processor, is a company where employee citizenship and community involvement. contributions are valued and respected and Our commitment to our consumers is to have the multiculturalism is encouraged and appreciated. highest level of food safety, a guarantee of qualit y Maple Leaf Consumer Foods would like to thank and a promise to always put the consumer’s our long-standing employees for their part in the interests first. success of our company.

The following will celebrate their 10-year annivers ary this year:

Daniel Lenton Antonio Lachapelle Matthias Modersohn John Sishka Gervindradeo Krishn Jo-Ann Grabowski Shelly Elromy Geraldine Mackay Erwin Olsen Bryan Hay Kim Macsymach Shirley Lavallee Archie Campbell Carl Sulymka Andy Wakely Adam Morgan Diana Millar Brian Harte Stanley Williamson Oliver Gruetzner Richard Chrisp Frank Goletz Laurie Ringland Grant Clark Carol Thomas Frederick Wright Dennis Beaudry Patricia Stachowich Rodney Hanson Melanie Maynard April Wiebe Ken McNeill John Clemens Pernell Legg Steven Koversky Vital Tinant Jocelyn Aimoe-Williamson George Blacksmith Thomas Muir Greg Winter Allan Watson Kimberley Knox-Powers Shyril Parsons Andrew Kennedy Allison Lelonde Marion Adams Leslie Onufreiciuc Oliver Gronwoldt Neil Ramsden Steven Martin Glenn Wagner Christina Kytwayhat Darwin Storey Michele Barth William Wishart Zbigniew(Stan) Gnitecki Todd Leclaire Daryl Brass Dennis Schultz Doug Rindlisbacher Nelawattee Jairam Lawrence Hobson Ralph Allerston Gordon McCabe Glenn Skipper Oscar Camacho Rob Gibson Margaret Masters Susan Medina Paul D'ambrosio Bradley Boucher Christopher Anderson Dayton Maguire Elizabeth Wagenaar Michael Gagnon Guy Lebeau Chi Chau Tara Zygmond Daniel Girardin David W. Genaille Clarke Cowell Xiu Ping Tan Arthur Elk Kevin Wardle Kathy Morden Ann Mclellan Jim Allum Christine Storozenko Garry Kerr Richard Evjent Doug Brown Donna North Jo-Anna Jewar Suwanee Pegoski Jason Burtnick Stanley Belhumeur Colleen Vanstone Charlotte Craig Raymond Beaupre Malcolm Thomas Peter Coyle Patricia Abraham Joe Ferland Pearl Milin Janice Forest Michael Maynard Frederick Jaggard Jeremy Dyck Daniel Rodwell Sally Ann Stewart Elaine Martin Jason Cameron David Morley Debbie Ford Clay Kirby Brian Fawcett Dale Powers Dwaine Nicholson David Kovar Sharon Wenger Evelyn Cooke Charles Ostiuk Catherine Huys Ben Zhen Deborah Pottinger Murray Hamm Diane Odeljan N. Scott Powell Gerald Clemens Stanley F. Smith Tracy Schwitek Derek Coates Larry Mclaren Bradley Belhumeur Carol Shortridge James T. Gillespie Ken Ross Dixie Marks Scott Gadsby Joanne Gallivan Ronald Mizinchuk Ian Blacksmith Terry Johnston Leo Simpson Doris Stadnyk Kevin Roach MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 15 EAL numbers in BSD continue to rise

BY ALLISON DOWD dents registered. Year-over-year, the numbers increased at a steady rate until recently when many The presence of hundreds of new immigrant fami- Maple Leaf employees were able to complete the fami- lies in the Wheat City has undeniably changed the cul- ly reunification process. That led to huge increases. ture of the Brandon School Division. For example, in 2006-07, 102 students were regis- In the range of 1,500 immigrant students have tered, while in 2007-08, 212 EAL students were graced the classrooms of Brandon’s school’s since attending classes in Brandon. Similarly, in 2008-09, Maple Leaf Consumer Foods began its foreign recruit- the complement doubled to 406 EAL students. ment of workers several years ago. This year’s registration numbers are closing in on Jim Murray was chair of the BSD’s board of 500, with word from Maple Leaf that 700 additional trustees when the plant opened in 1999. school-aged children could be here by the end of 2012. He says the influx of immigrant children has single- The division currently employs the equivalent of handedly helped the division claw its way back from 42.5 full-time staff to facilitate EAL supports in the declining enrolment and has changed the division’s vast majority of its schools. makeup for the better. “It doesn’t change our overall vision or mandate “There’s a so much more diverse population in our because our purpose is to provide exceptional pro- schools now and I think it’s a wonderful thing. gramming for students that will allow them to grow,” Although English as An Additional Language (EAL) says the division’s associate superintendent, Greg has been a strain on our system and something that Malazdrewicz. Vincent Massey has the largest contingent of EAL we’ve had to respond to, I think it’s been very good for “What it does change to some degree is how we get registrants across the Brandon School Division, with all of our schools,” he said. there.” » [email protected] 110 students. In 1999-2000, the division had a mere 47 EAL stu-

Congratulations Maple Leaf on your 10th Anniversary and best wishes for future success!

• Deliveries of all sizes to all of Manitoba • Custom tractor•trailer work • Loading docks/Warehouse space Servicing over 400 communities Daily out of Brandon & Winnipeg 1604 Moreland Ave. Brandon • 728•1100 • Toll•Free1•800•567•8180 MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 18 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 Supplying a taste of home BY COLLEEN COSGROVE TEN YEARS & GROWING! Immigrant employees at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods began arriving in Business here has been steady Brandon a decade ago and since then, since we opened. I noticed a Manitoba's pork producers congratulate Maple consumers and local businesses have Leaf Foods for its contributions to the province's reaped the benefits. niche market for ethnic foods It didn’t take long for a bevy of growing in Brandon and we pork industry. retailers with an ethnic flair previously absent in the Wheat City to pop up. decided to open the store. Today, the influence of the city’s now- Maple Leaf and Manitoba Pork Council share a vision diverse culture can be seen on the for a sustainable industry where animals receive the shelves in big box stores. best possible care, we do our best to protect the Grocery stores like Safeway, Real — Karla Orteta Canadian Superstore and Sobeys have environment, and above all, we produce the best pork each increased their selection of ethnic the city’s multiculturalism. in the world — right here at home. foods, dedicating whole aisles to “Business here has been steady spices, sauces and cuisine from since we opened,” owner and Mexican Mexico, India, China and beyond. transplant Karla Orteta said. “I noticed Although international foods are a niche market for ethnic foods grow- trendy nationwide, a spokesperson for ing in Brandon and we decided to open Superstore confirmed the chain has the store.” endeavoured to broaden its selection of The majority of patrons to Karla’s ethnic foods specifically in Brandon. are from Columbia, El Salvador and Brandon’s Liquor Mart has even Mexico, but Orteta says gradually, the diversified its selection in response to popularity of the foods she sells from demands from immigrants whose Germany, Poland and the Ukraine is palates differ from vanilla choices like gaining momentum. Canadian beer and Australian wine. “More people arriving for Maple Leaf “Mexican and Chinese beer are the start out living downtown so it’s a good most popular imported beers being way for them to see my store, and it’s purchased,” Manitoba Liquor Control good for my store,” Orteta said. Commission spokesperson Diana “People like to see a taste of home in a Soroka said. new place.” In fact, Soroka says beer sales for Much like the grocery stores and the Eastern European brew spiked by 206 Liquor Mart have adapted — and prof- per cent this year and the sale of Asian ited — second-hand retailers like The brew is also up more than 100 per cent. People’s Market Place and the Brandon As the Wheat City grew and became MCC Thrift Store have experienced an a hub for immigrants either coming to influx of customers who recently immi- work at Maple Leaf or joining family, a grated to Brandon from all corners of variety of independent retailers have the world. capitalized on previously untapped People’s Market Place owner Gerard markets. Karla’s International Foods is Wade says helping new immigrants find a prime example. a table and chairs or a dresser for Opened in 2005, Karla’s prime their new Canadian home is endlessly downtown location — and its aisles of rewarding. authentic ethnic cuisine that span the hemispheres — has been a key sign of » See ‘Must appeal’ — Page 20 www.manitobapork.com

MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 20 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 Wide range of services for immigrants

BY COLLEEN COSGROVE Additional EAL classes and inter- preters have been added as well as the Hundreds more Maple Leaf Consumer hiring of two part-time settlement facili- Foods employees welcomed their fami- tators, assistants and a receptionist. lies to Brandon this year, and Westman English Although the volume of newcomers is Immigrant Services is feeling the as an a strain on WIS resources and staff, crunch. Additional Cooper said language remains the orga- The 2008-09 fiscal year was the Language nization’s biggest challenge. busiest to date for the provincially fund- classes are “Our assessment co-ordinator has ed organization, with more than 2,900 among the been booked solid and like everyone service visits within one year. programs here, it’s appointment after appointment WIS language program director offered by all day long,” she said. Doreen Cooper says the organization is Westman On an average day, about 270 people bursting at the seams, but is managing Immigrant will visit WIS to either meet a settle- to grow and evolve with the diverse ment facilitator or attend an EAL class. Services. needs immigrants bring. WIS provides settlement support in (File) “It’s looked at as a success,” Cooper Spanish, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Tagalog, said of the family reunification process, Amharic and Russian. which helps bring family members of children who were new users. by introducing the Brandon ENTRY Last year, WIS had a total of 1,645 immigrant workers to Canada. WIS represents nearly 50 countries, Program which teaches Brandon- students enrolled in its spring, fall and “That’s why it has been so hectic but China dominated the spring period’s focused life skills like laws and policing, winter EAL classes; 852 of those were here. About 95 to 99 per cent who come reunification process with 160 families, education, employment and navigating first-time users. through Maple Leaf are going through while Colombia saw 69 families, El the region. » [email protected] (the permanent resident) process. Very Salvador 131, and Ethiopia and the few are just working their two-year work Ukraine saw 31 and 30 families, respec- term and returning home.” tively. In just three months, WIS has seen The impact a single foreign male has 201 new families and 310 returning or on the community is dramatically less second-time visiting families. Of those than an entire family, Cooper noted, families, there were 273 adults and 77 adding that WIS responded to the influx Must appeal to new clientele

« Continued from Page 18 which transforms into Latino Nights on weekends — have adapted to cater to “We have a lot of return customers the city’s growing array of eclectic and we’ve been fortunate to see some musical tastes. of them come back to return the used Owner of The 40, Heidi Howarth has furniture they bought because they’ve always made an effort to highlight been able to establish themselves a lit- local talent, and now that local talent tle more here and buy new stuff,” Wade includes fiesta-ready bands like the said. Son Latino Band, she says she’s more “They know how much that original than happy to bite. help helped them so they’re returning “There’s no doubt that the face of the favour.” our clientele has changed in the last Families new to the community few years,” Howarth said. “That’s what We don’t want to HOG all the attention, come into his store with little to noth- businesses have to do though. We have ing in their pocket, Wade says. Seeing to adapt. We have to host things, or so instead we’ll just say, “It’s been a SLICE”… them settle in and adapt to life in bring products in that the masses want Canada is important, because it shows — and to appeal to our city’s new pop- they’re finding the supports and getting ulations. the help they need in a foreign country. “From my perspective, (Maple Leaf) Happy 10th Birthday Meanwhile, watering holes in the has only helped Brandon move for- Wheat City like The 40 and the ward.” MAPLE LEAF FOODS Canadian Inn’s nightclub — Code, » [email protected] MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 21 MAPLE LEAF IN THE HEADLINES

Sept. 17, 1998 July 12, 1999 Aug. 21, 1999 Aug. 31, 1999 WCAC keeps pressure on Maple Leaf, union ratify contract Thumbs up for hog plant We’re makin’ bacon Local scientists and concerned Employees of Maple Leaf Meats’ new Maple Leaf Pork and city officials Photo Caption: Maple Leaf Pork citizens led the charge in an intense Brandon plant have approved their first say they’re ready to go whole hog after employees man the cutting floor on the evening of questioning city and union contract. receiving the licences needed to begin first day of operation at the new $120- Maple Leaf officials on all aspects The workers, members of the production at the $120-million state-of- million plant in Brandon Monday after- of the project at a public meeting. United Food and Commercial Workers the-art slaughtering plant. noon. About 200 workers are now on “This is precisely the type of close Local 832, voted 90 per cent in favour The meat-processing giant now has the job, with more to be added weekly cross-examination that we would have of accepting the six-year agreement the final licence it needed from until the plant reaches its full capacity liked to see with the Clean Environment which, according to union representa- Manitoba Environment. The licence with 1,150 workers next spring. Commission hearings,” said Dave tives, contains some of the best covers one-shift operation and allows Kattenburg, the local activist spear- benefits among Canadian packing for a second shift once expanded waste heading a group calling for hearings. houses today. treatment is in place.

Congratulations Everyone at Neighbour! Wheat City Roofing would like to congratulate Maple Leaf on their 10-year Anniversary! Wheat City ROOFINGLTD.

Canexus, formerly Nexen Chemicals, continues to be committed to responsible care and an open relationship with the community. “WHERE QUALITY COUNTS” SERVING YOUR AREA SINCE 1948 We care deeply about the health, safety and protection of our employees, the public and the environment. 1522 Frederick Street, 1375 Dugald Road, (204) 728-3777 Brandon 204-728-2498 Winnipeg 204-231-2765 MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 22 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 A new lease

Parishioners on life attend a Spanish language BY COLLEEN COSGROVE service at St. Hedwig's The arrival of Maple Leaf Consumer Foods and the cultural transformation Catholic that has come with it means local Church in churches have also had to adapt. Brandon. The pious needs of the city’s new- comers have breathed new life into at (Tim Smith/ least one church that had been previ- Brandon Sun) ously shuttered. St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church was closed in July 2007, after Archbishop James Weisgerber decreed On July 1, 2008, Father Philip the church be closed due to a dimin- Malayil, a priest who is fluent in ished need for a Polish-speaking Spanish, took up residence at St. parish. Hedwig’s and began providing regular The church had hosted mass in mass for Brandon’s growing Spanish- Polish for more than a decade, but in speaking community. his decree, Weisgerber recommended Since Malayil’s arrival, more than that blending the parish with that of 100 Spanish-speaking families have St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church found a home at St. Hedwig’s — now Drew Caldwell would be more efficient. Brandon’s only Roman Catholic church St. Hedwig’s approximately 40 dis- with mass in Spanish. MLA Brandon East placed parishioners soon dispersed, To attract more parishioners, and being the only Roman Catholic Malayil has contacted Maple Leaf church in the city, as devout Spanish- employers and has posted notices hop- You have been such a huge part of speaking immigrants arrived, St. ing that newcomers without a place of Augustine’s soon evolved into a worship will visit St. Hedwig’s and find Brandon’s success for the past 10 years. diverse, multilingual community. a new home away from home. We’re proud to have you in our city. “For a time we had families from “We’re building the community,” Mexico, Guatemala and Columbia wor- Malayil said. “Some people who’ve shipping here,” Father Dominic Yuen of come to mass have been in Brandon St. Augustine’s told the Sun. “They had for three years and didn’t know that we Congratulations! Spanish mass with a priest out from were here. They didn’t know this was Winnipeg every Saturday night.” an option.” Then, nearly one year after Even newcomers who aren’t of St. Hedwig’s was shuttered, the Roman Catholic faith are invited to WORKING FOR BRANDON Archdiocese of Winnipeg gave the St. Hedwig’s as it can hopefully feel a church the green light to reopen and bit like home in a foreign country. 1009 Princess Avenue, Brandon (204) 727•8734 host its own regular Spanish and abo- Email: [email protected] riginal language masses. » See ‘Congregations’ — Page 23 MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 23 Congregations have seen growth

« Continued from Page 22 Calvary Temple has also noticed an influx of new members and has Malayil says the parishioners who’ve stepped up to host weekly English been in Brandon for a few years are conversation groups with local volun- helpful in educating newcomers about teers and newcomers who hail from finalizing paperwork such as immigra- nations such as El Salvador, Ukraine, tion papers, and information on where China and Columbia. to seek English language training, This month, Calvary Temple hosted career and housing information. a multicultural mass in which four Since its reopening last summer, different languages were included in Malayil has performed 11 first com- the sermon. munions and confirmations. Spanish- The congregation was encouraged to language weddings are already booked dress in their native attire and bring for 2010. their favourite dish to its multicultural Meanwhile, St. Augustine’s congre- potluck. gation has continued to grow as it welcomes parishioners from the » [email protected] The church band and choir perform during a Spanish language service at Philippines and Mauritius. St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church. (Tim Smith/Brandon Sun)

Congratulations on 10 years in business in Brandon!

We are so pleased to have your dynamic presence

in our city. RICK BOROTSIK CongratulationsCongratulations MLA MapleMaple LeafLeaf 20-18th Street on y our 204.728.2410 [email protected] 10 Y ear Anniver sary [email protected] and for man y mor e to come .

CORRAL CENTRE, BRANDON | 726-5656 MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 24 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 A better life and a good home

BY COLLEEN COSGROVE The family has adopted Canadian traditions like Halloween and Christmas, When Mykhaylo Melnytskyy left his but has found no trouble maintaining wife and young son in Ukraine nearly five their Ukrainian traditions, especially years ago, it tore at his heart, but he with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church knew it was a sacrifice he had to make and Brandon’s tight-knit Ukrainian for his son’s future and for their family. community. After a gruelling 12-hour flight, the “Canada traditions are good and then-28-year-old Melnytskyy arrived in Ukrainian traditions are good,” Canada in December 2004 anxious to Melnytskyy said. “We are lucky because see his new hometown called Brandon we get both now.” and ready to start a career at Maple Leaf Although some immigrants who arrive Consumer Foods. in Canada to work at Maple Leaf leave “I’d never been to Canada before,” the community after their two-year con- Melnytskyy said. “When I left the airport, tract expires, Melnytskyy says his family I couldn’t believe it was so cold. Like has no intentions of leaving the commu- minus 40. I didn’t know if right decision!” nity they’ve grown to love. A butcher by trade in a town of about “We like the small city, everything is 2,000 people in Ukraine, Melnytskyy said close and we have a lot of nice things the stories of friends and family who had here,” Melnytskyy said. visited or immigrated to Canada initially “Why would we leave?” enticed him and his wife Galyna to make » [email protected] the life-changing decision. “It is better life here,” Melnytskyy Mykhaylo Melnytskyy and his wife said. “More money, nice people, good Galyna Melnytska pose in their neighbours. We like it here. It is a good Brandon home with children home.” Mykhaylo Jr. and Iryna. (Colin In 2006, he became a permanent resi- Corneau/Brandon Sun) dent in Canada and his wife Galyna joined him in Brandon with a job of her leave, but once her year was up, the own secured at Maple Leaf. family was forced to take Iryna back to It wasn’t until 2007 that their son the Ukraine to live with Galyna’s mother Mykhaylo — now 10 years old — would until they could figure out who would join them in Brandon and start school at look after her. Valleyview Centennial school, learning Thanks to technology, the family could English for the first time. talk with Iryna via Skype and the pic- Today both parents work on the loin tures they received through email were G line at Maple Leaf. Mykhaylo is a boner endless, but Galyna says she will never uest Se don.com rvices: 728-3 persmall-bran and Galyna spends her days trimming forget how difficult the experience was. 255 Toll Free: 1-888-834-2935 www.shop fat. “I don’t want that ever again,” she Although in Ukraine Galyna stayed at said. “That makes me cry to think about, home with young Mykhaylo, she says she but we didn’t have nothing else to do,” enjoys the work because they get to Galyna said. meet the dozens of other Ukrainian After spending a painful six months We congratulate Maple Leaf families who are in a similar situation. apart, Galyna returned to Ukraine this th “I don’t know how long (I will work July to pick up her daughter and bring on your 10 Anniversary and there),” Galyna said. “For now it is good her to their new home in Canada. money and we like (the work). It’s not Mykhaylo’s father, Iryna’s grandfather, bad. I need to learn English more for a also came to Canada and has been a your commitment to the community. different job.” live-in babysitter for the past four The only drawback, Galyna says is months while Mykhaylo and Galyna are that since her second child, 22-month- at work. Best wishes for a successful future! old Iryna, has joined the family, she Now that the whole family is together misses spending time at home with her. and officially Canadians, Melnytskyy says When Iryna was born in 2007, Galyna he’s happy to be able to give his kids the was able to take a year off on maternity best of both worlds. MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 25 MAPLE LEAF IN THE HEADLINES

May 19, 2001 July 28, 2001 Sept. 11, 2001 Oct. 6, 2001 Maritimers already working Maple Leaf expansion Maple Leaf looks to Mexico Leaf fuels boom in population Brandon is clean and friendly, but might be delayed Maple Leaf is bringing in as many as Maple Leaf has given a jolt to the you can’t find a donair, a pub or a Maple Leaf might not add a 900- 49 Mexican workers by January — and Brandon area’s population, Statistics Tim Hortons when you need one. employee second shift in Brandon until spending about $3,000 per person in Canada data shows. Using a crosswalk in traffic is a 2005, chief executive Michael McCain costs — in a pilot project believed to Between 1996 and 1998, the risky pastime and golfing and apart- said yesterday. be the first of its kind among the six Brandon census subdivision, which also ments — if you can find one — are Most public forecasts from plant Maple Leaf plants in Canada. includes 13 neighbouring municipalities, cheap. That’s the Wheat City through officials have targeted a second shift The workers, who are being pulled declined by more than 300 people. That the Atlantic eyes of Maple Leaf’s in 2003. In a conference call with from a pool of some 30 million people turned around between the latter half newest recruits. Thirty-five Nova reporters and market analysts yesterday, near Mexico City, will have the skills to of 1998 and 2000, however, when the Scotians and New Brunswickers are McCain said that date is still possible, start on line immediately, said human area’s population increased by a net already at Brandon’s hog plant. but so is a postponement. resources manager Steve LeBlanc. 426 people. The plant opened in 1999. MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 26 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 Housing shortage cause for concern

BY JILLIAN AUSTIN everything for the new arrivals.” Melnyk says in the past four years, The arrival of thousands of Maple more and more immigrants are choos- Leaf immigrant workers over the past ing to buy homes, due to the tight several years has significantly impact- rental market. ed Brandon’s current low-income hous- “It’s given them that extra nudge to ing crisis, according to a local anti- make that decision,” Melnyk said. poverty advocate. Kruck said bringing in such a large Glen Kruck, the Canadian Mental volume of new workers has displaced Health Association regional director, local citizens and forced them to pay says since Maple Leaf’s arrival, rents higher rates. have shot up dramatically and the Mayor Dave Burgess said the city is availability of low-income housing has doing its best to accommodate the virtually disappeared. increasing population. The former Massey-Harris building is currently undergoing renovations to “Back in ’97, I thought we were in While Brandon is not quite “ahead of provide a mixed use living space downtown. (File) dire straits ... and heck, it’s 10 times the ball game,” there have been hous- worse right now,” Kruck said. ing developments popping up all over Tim Melnyk, president of the the city. Brandon Real Estate Board, says “The last four years in a row, there Brandon vacancy rate is sitting at zero. have been 350-plus new housing units, “In the first few years, we saw our just within the city of Brandon ... and rental market become non-existent an awful lot of development outside of really,” he said. the city,” Burgess said. “They were renting anything and » See ‘More needs’ — Page 28

The construction of new housing units has not kept up with demand. (File) MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 27 MAPLE LEAF IN THE HEADLINES

Jan. 6, 2002 Sept. 13, 2006 Aug. 25, 2007 Oct. 21, 2008 Mexican workers arrive Second shift considered Colombians arrive to work at plant Maple Leaf plant now the biggest Twenty-four Mexicans, some sport- Bigger isn’t just better for Maple Leaf Brandon’s foreign worker pool became With the realization of a full second ing ski pants and toques for the first Fresh Foods — it’s a matter of survival, a little larger yesterday when the first shift, Brandon’s Maple Leaf Fresh Foods time, arrived in their new northern company CEO Michael McCain told the group of Maple Leaf Fresh Foods employ- hog slaughter plant has become the home yesterday. For the 21 whom Brandon Chamber of Commerce. ees from Colombia rolled into Brandon largest of its kind in the country, process- Maple Leaf imported to butcher hogs, McCain announced the Brandon plant for their very first night in Canada. ing more than 80,000 animals per week. Brandon represents more than a job. will begin hiring 1,000 more workers for a The 26 young men, who are predomi- “We’re the biggest in Canada,” “In Mexico, the situation is really, second shift next year. That is contingent nantly in their 20s and 30s, will begin Brandon plant manager Leo Collins really bad,” said Agustin Solarzano, who on government funding coming through work on the meat processing plant’s said. “When the full wastewater arrived with his wife and two children. for a public-private wastewater treatment second shift, which ramps up in early buildup for the city of Brandon is “Not enough jobs, (and there’s) poverty, plant to treat effluent from the city, the September following a weeklong completed next summer, that will allow corruption. I came for my family.” expanded plant and Wyeth Organics. orientation starting on Monday. us to go to 90,000 hogs per week.” CONGRATULATIONS ON 10 Y EARS IN BRANDON !

on 10 successful years in business Excavation Black Dirt Demolition Rock in Brandon Site Services Gravel from

In Brandon Since 1911. Proudly Serving Our Friends And Neighbours.

Office: 726-0790 Toll Free: 1-888-682-4956 Fax: 727-6075 Email: [email protected] MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 28 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 BPS officers reach out to newcomers

BY IAN HITCHEN involvement in crime, Yanick said. There, officers speak with newcom- nal record check. When they’re charged, it’s typically for ers about laws and regulations they Some officers have also chosen to The influx of immigrants who have such crimes as impaired driving and need to follow and advise them of pre- study a new language. The city reim- arrived to work at Maple Leaf — and domestic violence. And Yanick said cautions they need to take. The new burses officers for the cost of classes the languages and cultures they’ve there’s nothing to indicate that foreign arrivals are also urged to report crime. provided the skill is useful in their brought — have posed new challenges gangs have been imported to Brandon. Police have discussed the same work. for the Brandon Police Service. On the other hand, immigrants have issues during work orientation meet- Meanwhile, immigrants have proven But BPS Staff Sgt. Larry Yanick said been targets of fraud, thefts and break ings at the Maple Leaf plant. to be a new source of job satisfaction the force has taken those challenges in and enters by criminals who take Language barriers have posed a for Brandon police officers. Police say stride. advantage of their limited knowledge of challenge for police, but Yanick noted the new residents tell them that they “We’ve accepted that and we’ve the Canadian legal system. most immigrants speak some English find Brandon safer than their home adapted to that and we’re willing to Some are reluctant to report crimes or they can reach a friend who can countries. grow with it,” Yanick said. because they come from nations with help interpret via cellphone. In Colombia, for example, citizens Police don’t track crime statistics by corrupt police forces. Otherwise, trained and certified don’t venture out after dark due to gang the culprit’s country of origin or place They’re also hesitant to report translators are available through violence. of employment. because they mistakenly believe it will Westman Immigration Services. Local officers take pride in telling “Generally speaking, the immigrants affect their residency status in Canada. The translators are on-call to help new citizens that it’s safe to walk the coming here are not any different than So, in an effort to reach out to new- — whether an accused needs to be streets of Brandon at night. the general population living in comers, Brandon police officers attend read their rights in their own language Brandon,” Yanick said. Westman Immigrant Services each or a new resident with limited English » [email protected] Immigrants tend to have a limited month. seeks a simple service such as a crimi-

More needs to be done T KINGS

« Continued from Page 26 ON BEHALF OF THE WHEA New Dwelling Units in Four-plexes, six-plexes, multi-unit & MEMORIAL CUP HOST COMMITTEE apartment blocks and condos have Brandon 1998-2008 helped some people, but it’s the lower income units that the city is in dire need of. Single family — 1,427 “Right now, the vacancy rate is still Two-family — 110 not at a healthy level,” Burgess said. “We’d like to see that addressed, and Multiple-family — 1,378 we’re always encouraging more devel- Total — 2,915 opers.” New housing units can be seen in areas such as Stickney Avenue, First (Economic Development Brandon) Street North and Rosser Avenue. One of the major projects being developed to address low-income hous- of $420,000 to the project. ing is the Massey-Harris housing proj- A total of 58 new housing units will ect, spearheaded by Kruck. be available when the project is com- Ranging from emergency shelters, plete, however Kruck said more needs transitional apartments, rent-subsi- to be done. dized units, market rent apartments “It is a crisis, and in a crisis, you and affordable condos, the goal is to need to act quite rapidly and quite dra- have an integrated population in the matically,” Kruck said. “Much more building. needs to be done.” Along with provincial and federal funding, the city will contribute a total » [email protected] MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 29 On The Job

(Photos by Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun)

Congratulations Maple Leaf on your 10 th Anniversary!

YOUR DESIGN / BUILD CONTRACTOR MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER 30 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 When artists

meet Son Latino performs at the BY JOANNE F.VILLENEUVE Brandon Maple Leaf Consumer Foods’ immi- Folk Music grant workers have brought more than and Arts their work ethic to Brandon. Festival Many are also sharing the arts they in June. practised in their homeland. Music, visual art, dance, theatre, (Submitted) martial arts and other disciplines from Mauritius, China, Ukraine and various central American countries have been gradually introduced into brought him and his fellow Mauritians the community. to work here, few Brandonites had Of course, the most widely attended heard of the island, let alone were artistic and cultural demonstrations aware of its rich artistic heritage. and performances have been during the “Little by little, they’re starting to Lieutenant-Governor’s Winter Festival. know us and our culture,” he said. Congratulations Maple Leaf However, there are occasions during “When we play the music here, we have the rest of the year that feature the tal- fun and we’re not homesick. th ented newcomers who have chosen to The ten-piece band, which includes a on your 10 Anniversary make Brandon their home. Canadian woman who is learning the “When I started Son Latino, I was lyrics to their songs, has played some surprised to see how many of (the immi- local gigs, including at the Manitoba grants) were able to play instruments Summer Fair. and how good they are,” said Costa A calligrapher and painter, Feng Best wishes in the future! Rican pianist Jaime Chinchilla Solano, “Phillip” Li is as much a joy to watch in a graduate student. action as his creations are to behold. His band has played numerous gigs With the help of interpreter Yu in the area and continues to entice Wang, who also works at Maple Leaf, spectators of many nationalities onto he explained that he began this age-old the dance floor. tradition as a child. He hopes to teach Rodney Addison, originally from those in the community who are inter- Mauritius, played hand drum back ested in this unique art form. Member of Parliament home. He saved for three months to “Some Chinese parents have already BRANDON-SOURIS buy a kit here. Joined by others from asked him to teach their kids and he #8 223 18th Street N. the Indian Ocean nation, he is in a plans to do that,” Wang said. “Chinese band that focuses on seggae — music parents want their children to learn Brandon, MB R7A 2V8 from their homeland. something about the Chinese culture Ph: 726-7600 Fax: 726-7699 “We want to spread the music all and how to write and read Chinese www.mervtweed.com around here and make Canadians characters.” [email protected] aware of our music,” he said. He believes that before Maple Leaf » See ‘Cultures’ — Page 31 MAPLE LEAF — 10 YEARS LATER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 31 Cultures enriched

« Continued from Page 30 “It helps us to keep our religion, to keep our language, to keep our culture Li demonstrated this unique artform and to keep communication which during the last Winter Festival, writing helps us share,” Pestyk said. attendees’ names in calligraphy. Brandon has grown not only in pop- Former roommate and friend Jiwei ulation since the arrival of the Maple Feng (Phillip) Li “Ian” Du is a martial artist who is a Leaf workers, but in artistic choices. crafts expertly kung fu and tai chi enthusiast. “These people working at Maple made tradition- “It’s his family’s heritage. His father Leaf, they have all these beautiful abil- al Chinese is a martial arts master,” Wang said. ities,” said Sue-On Hillman, a teacher paintings and “When he was young, he was not in who has also worked at Westman calligraphy. He good health, so his father led him to Immigrant Services. is one of many study martial arts for exercise.” “Looking at them, you don’t think Chinese work- Like his friend, Du also took part in about what they can do and yet, they the 2009 Winter Festival, performing have beautiful painting or they can ers settled in on stage before the many audiences sing (Chinese) opera.” Brandon for during the weekend, and he gave a These new contributions to Maple Leaf demonstration during the last Canada Brandon’s artistic landscape have sub- Consumer Day festivities. tly exposed Brandonites to different Foods. Working part-time at Westman views, ideas and approaches to life. Immigrant Services, Vera Pestyk has Esther Bryan, the community devel- (Colin Corneau been part of the team helping newcom- opment co-ordinator with the city, /Brandon Sun) ers from Ukraine. believes that these immigrants’ pres- Choirs at the local Ukrainian ence has brought diversity to the city. churches — Brandon Orthodox Church “From my perspective, that’s the and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic best part of having such great new- Church — have expanded since the comers here,” Bryan said. “They open workers’ arrival. Earlier this year, the our eyes to the rest of the world.” two congregations united to present a concert. » [email protected]

Congratulates Maple Leaf on 10 successful years and we wish to thank you for your continued support of the

Jiwei (Ian) Du is an accomplished martial artist,carrying on the example set for him by his father. (Colin Corneau/Brandon Sun) Congratulations on 10 Years of Success

You have been an outstanding business, employer & corporate citizen for Westman. Well done!