Humber News Briefs

Feb 11, 2013 | News

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A new model for processing and screening donors at the Canadian Blood Services has been approved to relieve the short supply of registered nurses. COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Complied by Lime Blake

Canadian Blood Services changes donor model

Canadian Blood Services has approved a new blood donor model that allows “multi-skilled clinic employees” to handle donor and screening processes as well as clinic functions.

The CBS model will allow nurses to do other tasks. But according to the CBC, there are concerns about nurses will no longer be involved in the face-to-face handling of a donor’s health history.

The model started as a pilot project in 2009, based on methods used in the U.S. and U.K.

Canadians said they had 10 fun days a year according to the website Badoo.com PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Canadians said they had 10 fun days a year according to the website Badoo.com PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Low fun factor for Canucks

It looks like Canada could use a minister of fun.

A recent social media survey ranked Canada among the lowest of 17 developed nations when it came to frequency of fun, with only France, Belgium, Russia and Poland having less fun.

While the study isn’t based on scientific research, the report concluded that Canadians have a good time a mere 9.9 days per month, compared to U.S. citizens, reported at 11.7 days.

According to Postmedia News, countries topping the list include Argentina (14.8 days/month), Mexico (13.7), and Spain (12.9).

The 17,000-person poll was conducted by respondents in theirs 20s and 30s through online dating service badoo.com, between December 2012 and January 2013.

Canada has maintained a long-lasting stance that the nation’s bear population is healthy at an approximate 20,000. PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Canada has maintained a long-lasting stance that the nation’s bear population is healthy at an approximate 20,000. PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Country’s polar bear management at risk

Canada faces an uphill battle against former international allies, who are in support for a proposed ban on the cross-border trade of animal parts.

Countries including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands will meet in Bangkok, China early next month to discuss changes to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

While Canada has maintained a long-lasting stance that the nation’s bear population is healthy at an about 20,000, the U.S. has put forward a proposal that would forbid cross-border sale of polar bear parts, placing them in the same category as elephant ivory.

According to the Canadian Press, estimates of 800 bears are hunted annually – about 500 skins are sold for profit. Of Canada’s 13 bear locales, populations are increasing in one, three are stable, and six are in a decline.