CJPAC Heads West

VANCOUVER — The Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC)  has opened a new Western Canada office and hired a western regional director, the organization announce. Eleanor Johnston, who comes to CJPAC after serving as senior special assistant to federal cabinet minister Peter Kent, began work last week by meeting with community leaders and running programs for students. She was then scheduled to head to Edmonton, where she will be establishing a permanent office, before travelling to Calgary and Winnipeg for additional meetings.

Stelmach Honoured

CALGARY — Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach was honoured as man of the year by B’nai Brith Calgary Lodge No. 18 on the day he announced he would be stepping down at the end of the current legislative session. The award, for Stelmach’s 25 years of public service, was given at the chapter’s annual Gentleman’s Dinner, held last week at Beth Tzedec Congregation.

Channel Approved

OTTAWA — The CRTC announced last week that it has approved the channel Jewish Life Television for digital distribution to cable and satellite TV providers. The broadcast regulator received a request to license the channel from Ethnic Channels Group Ltd., a multi-ethnic, third-language broadcaster that currently offers 12 such channels, including the Israeli Network, a 24-hour-a-day Hebrew channel featuring the best of Israeli TV.