Lessons

How hard is it to kick a habit like smoking? Listen to an interview with a former smoker about her experience. Should smoking be banned in multi-unit dwellings? Prepare your debating points for the next big debate on the rights of smokers and non-smokers.

In today's technological world, we have information and advice at our fingertips. But there was a time, not long ago, when our elders were our only source of advice. How can we ensure younger generations learn from those who came before them? This is just one of the questions explored in this lesson.

Did you know that November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada? Listen to financial guru Gail Vaz-Oxlade talk about the problems she has with high credit card limits, find out how to write your own financial goals and complete a budget worksheet in this lesson.

One key to speaking well is to listen well. When people speak very quickly, listening well is a challenge. This lesson is about the kinds of learning strategies we can use to help us improve our listening skills.

A new birth centre is opening in Winnipeg. It will be staffed by midwifes. In this interview, an expectant mother talks about the benefits of midwifery and why she hopes to deliver her baby at the birth centre.

In today's economy, learning doesn't stop. Find out about a program in Manitoba that supports adults who return to school and helps them turn their life around.

Different cultures have different views of mental health and mental illness. In this lesson, hear a young woman talk openly about her own experience with an anxiety disorder and find out more about mental health.

Habitat for Humanity first came to Winnipeg in 1987. Now, 200 homes later, Habitat is also expanding to other Manitoba communities including Dauphin. Find out about this small city's plan for Habitat homes and learn more about Habitat's mission.

Immigration has been in the news in Canada lately. On the one hand, the current generation of immigrants is having more economic difficulties than the previous generation and some believe this is a good reason to scale back immigration. On the other hand, many believe that Canada's labour force growth and economic prosperity is dependent on immigration. It's a difficult balancing act for governments.

There are lots of new trends in love and marriage in Canada. People are waiting longer to get married or are living common law. Marriage celebrations are combining different cultural and faith traditions. Find out more about these trends in this lesson.

Finding good housing is one of the biggest challenges newcomers to Manitoba face. New Journey Housing helps newcomers find and keep housing. Learn more about their organization and about the housing challenge in this lesson.

How important are food banks to Manitoba? Do newcomers use food banks? Find out about food bank facts and myths in this lesson.

Why do students drop out of high school? How important is a high school education? How do newcomer students fare in the education system? These are just some of the questions discussed in this lesson.

Why do so many newcomers to Canada choose to immigrate to Manitoba? What does the province have to offer newcomers? And what do newcomers bring to the province? Learn more about a very successful immigration program in this lesson.

Do you need a mentor? Could you be a mentor to someone else? Learn more about mentoring and how it helps newcomers to Manitoba learn about education, training, jobs, careers and the community.

Manitoba has banned the use of hand-held devices while driving. So how dangerous is it to dial, talk, text and drive? What about the other kinds of distractions drivers face? Learn more about distracted driving and what we can do to make drivers more aware of the risks in this lesson.

Fall municipal elections are on the horizon. One question the media is asking is how many people will actually vote? And why is it so many of us decide to stay home? Listen to an interview with a teacher who is doing his part to try to increase voter interest and voter turnout in Winnipeg's municipal election.

Hockey is known as Canada's national sport and many newcomers and immigrant populations are becoming interested in the game. But are they actually playing hockey or are incidents of racial harassment on the ice keeping young players away?

Ninety-five percent of the foreign workers who come to work for Maple Leaf Consumer Foods in Brandon decide to settle in the city. Find out more about this southwestern Manitoba city and learn how Brandon is meeting the challenge of welcoming so many newcomers to the community.

Newcomers to Manitoba face numerous challenges finding employment that matches their skills and experience. Listen to an interview with Human Resources Consultant Barbara Bowes and learn tips to help you with your job search. Consultant Barbara Bowes talks about ways to develop and talk about your skill set.

What kinds of stories should the Canadian Museum for Human Rights tell? Can a museum change the future? Explore these questions in this lesson.

Ever since the earthquake happened, the attention of the world has been on Haiti. In this story, Sister Rose Desrochers of Winnipeg talks about her work in the country and what she thinks is needed to help Haiti rebuild.

What kind of experiences have you had at airports and on airplanes? This is the story of eighty-year old Elsie Clark and the Good Samaritan she met on a recent flight.

Refugees flee difficult and terrifying situations. What happens when they settle in a new country? What challenges do they face? Is there a point where they no longer consider themselves refugees? These are some of the questions explored in this lesson.

Each November, Canadians are reminded of the sacrifices made by soldiers in past wars. However, after WW1, more civilians than soldiers have died in war efforts, and more than half of the civilians have been children. Artist Tamara Weller has found a way to get students thinking about how war affects children like themselves. Find out about her unique art project in this lesson.

What is H1N1? How are people responding to the pandemic and to the vaccination program? Find out more about H1N1 and vaccines in this lesson.

Learn a little about Manitoba's new Premier Greg Selinger and find out more about the responsibilities of Canada's three levels of government.

Smoking has been banned in most indoor public places across Canada. In 2010, Manitoba will ban smoking in vehicles when children under the age of 16 are passengers. Concern about the effects of second-hand smoke is also leading to calls to ban smoking in outdoor public spaces. In this lesson, you learn more about the issues and get a chance to express your views.

Two aboriginal Manitobans talk about their personal reaction to the Pope's apology for past wrongs at church-run residential schools and about the impact residential schools have had on their families.

Did you know that only 20 percent of the jobs in Manitoba are advertised? If you're looking for work, it's important to develop a network of contacts so you can find out about opportunities in the hidden job market. Get started with this lesson!

The role of the police and public perceptions of the police are not the same in every country. In addition to solving and preventing crime, police forces across Canada also face the challenge of policing an increasingly culturally, ethnically and racially diverse population.

Imagine how challenging it would be to try to learn English if you couldn't hear the language! Listen to an interview with a teacher who teaches sign language and English to newcomers. Learn about how you can protect your own hearing at home and at the workplace.

Manitoba is planning a year long party in 2010 to celebrate the province's 140th birthday. The organizers hope that Homecoming 2010 will encourage former Manitobans to come back and take a fresh look at what the province has to offer. Find out how you can join in the festivities!

How does romance differ across cultures? What qualities are you seeking in an ideal partner? Listen to Manitoba author Mary George talk about her career as a writer of historical romance novels and find out what she thinks is true romance.

Find out how Steinbach and the rest of Manitoba is weathering the current economic storm. Listen to an interview with the president of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

A lesbian couple has filed a human rights complaint against a doctor who told them homosexuality is against her religious beliefs. This lesson explores myths, facts and attitudes toward homosexuality and human rights.

Manitoba small towns are famous for their community spirit. Learn more about living in a small community and find out how the CBC radio program The Vinyl Cafe helped the town of Minnedosa get a piano. (You can listen to the show which was taped in Minnedosa on CBC on March 21, 22 and 24, 2009.)

The family of a young man who is missing has put up a billboard in Winnipeg and other Western Canadian cities so the public can help them find him. Find out more about what happens when someone goes missing.

What's it like to live and work in some of the coldest parts of the world? The host of Discovery's Channel's TV program Out in the Cold says his guests love what they're doing and where they live.

Listen to a movie reviewer talk about three recently released movies and find out about a website that helps parents decide whether movies are appropriate for their kids to watch.

Studies are showing that the longer immigrants live in Canada, the greater their risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Find out what a doctor thinks is affecting the health of immigrants to Canada.

A famous musician visits the former Winnipeg home of another famous musician. Find out how the visit went and learn about Manitoba's musical roots.

Listen to a Manitoba resident of Kenyan heritage talk about what U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama's victory means to him. Find out how others around the world are reacting to Obama's win.

The education levels of Manitoba's Aboriginal population are falling behind the rest of the student population. Learn about historical and current challenges faced by Aboriginal students.

Learn about the Zimbabwe Hand Jive from a dietician and find out how you can develop healthier eating habits.

Meet Manitoba's youngest Member of Parliament and learn about the northern riding she represents. Find out more about voter turnout. Just how important Is it that citizens in a democracy go out and vote?

What are the responsibilities of landlords and tenants? What do tenants need to know? Learn more about rental housing in Manitoba.

How are second generation children of immigrant parents doing in the labour market? The findings of this Statistics Canada study may surprise you!

There's lots to do in Manitoba in the summer! Find out about events taking place across the province and learn some summer safety tips.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs in Manitoba help students adapt to their new culture while they learn the language. Hear how the program works at one Winnipeg high school.

Learn about the causes and effects of climate change. Find out what you can do to help the planet.

Find out about the latest trends and traditions in naming babies.

What's the link between the arts and gender stereotyping? Listen in and find out more about both!

Learn about the personalities of three different kinds of bosses and decide which one you would rather work for!

What are the best ways to build understanding across cultures? Find out about a public awareness campaign which aims to dispell myths and encourage dialogue.

Carol James weaves replicas of the sashes worn by Louis Riel and the Voyageurs. Learn more about her craft and about Manitoba's history.

Learn about a new program that aims at helping tackle the problem of youth gangs in Winnipeg.

Visit a small restaurant in Winnipeg's west end, meet the owner and be introduced to Nuevo Latino cuisine.

A recent survey shows that Canadians are more and more in debt. Find out why this is happening and whether you should be concerned.

Learn about things you can do to enjoy winter. Cheer on a reporter who tries a new winter sport.

Learn about poverty, food banks and volunteering. Join a group of children who are helping out at Winnipeg Harvest.

Learn more about retirement in Canada and how to prepare for retirement - hear a personal story from a successful Winnipeg businessman.

Learn more about Manitoba's increasing immigrant population - and hear a personal story from one of the province's largest immigrant groups.

Learn how the Town of Altona actively recruits newcomers and makes sure they feel welcome in the community.

Listen to an interview with a young woman who designs firm fit hijabs for sport and fitness.

Listen to an interview with a young man who overcame many obstacles and found his dream job.

Listen to parts of an Eritrean church service and find out about religious customs in Manitoba.

Listen to an interview with Winnipeg lawyers about a a new way to resolve issues in a divorce without going to court.

Listen to a Winnipeg doctor give advice about raising children - and read about issues immigrant parents have when raising children in Canada.

Find out about a new healthy snack created by a group of University of Manitoba students.

Find out about a Facebook group that celebrates the uniqueness of Winnipeggers!

Hear about starting the first ever hockey team at St. John's High School in Winnipeg's North End.

Go shopping for Blue Crab at an Asian Supermarket.

This lesson is about newcomers who take a trip to Rolling River First Nation.

This lesson is about West Nile Virus Vaccine.