The Manitoba government is launching a new Business Security Rebate Program to help businesses repair property damage and make security upgrades, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Our government is stepping up to support business owners with the Manitoba Business Security Rebate,” said Wiebe. “We came together with community stakeholders and our partners in the police to tailor this rebate to address the security needs of Manitoba businesses, workers and communities.” The Business Security Rebate Program has $10 million available to provide rebates on a first-come, first-served basis to Manitoba businesses with 75 or fewer employees per location. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2,500 per location to offset the cost of purchasing security equipment or repairing property damage on or after Aug. 23, 2024. Eligible upgrades include: security and doorbell cameras; alarm systems; motion detectors; window protection; anti-graffiti film and paints; and security fencing and lighting. Eligible repairs and expenses include: broken windows; broken doors and locks; damages from forced entry or arson; insurance deductibles related to damage repairs; graffiti removal; replacement of signage and cash systems; and temporary boarding or fencing to secure premises until permanent repairs can be made. “Store-based investments that create safer, more secure environments are one of the most effective ways to deter crime,” said John Graham, director of government relations, Retail Council of Canada. “This nationally unprecedented commitment is yet another strong example of the Manitoba government’s leadership across Canada, demonstrating a clear dedication to supporting safer retail and restaurant spaces while advancing meaningful crime reduction.” The Manitoba government initially launched the Manitoba Security Rebate Program in June 2024 to provide up to $300 to thousands of homeowners and renters for equipment to protect properties. In October, the Manitoba government opened a $2-million intake for homeowners and renters for purchases made on or after Aug. 23, 2024. Businesses can apply for security rebates and read the full list of eligible and ineligible expenses at: www.manitoba.ca/justice/securityrebate.html.

The Manitoba government has authorized Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to offer select U.S. alcohol products for sale to the public until Dec. 24, with the proceeds from these sales to be donated to local charities, Premier Wab Kinew and Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, announced today. “Manitobans have been resilient against Donald Trump’s tariffs and deserve some holiday cheer,” said Kinew. “We are offering people a chance to give back to the most vulnerable families during this holiday season.” Starting Monday, Dec. 8, MBLL will make select U.S. liquor products available for order by private retailers and liquor service businesses across Manitoba, including rural liquor vendors, beer vendors, specialty wine stores, and restaurants and lounges. On Dec. 10, U.S. liquor products will begin to be available for customers in 12 select liquor marts across Manitoba. A full selection will be available in these stores by Dec. 13 and will remain available until Dec. 24. All products sold under this program will be in saleable condition and within expiration dates. Up to $500,000 of net revenue will be donated to local charities including: Christmas Cheer Board of Greater Winnipeg Inc., Harvest Manitoba, Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry, Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., and Boys and Girls Club of Thompson. “By offering these U.S. products during the holidays, Manitobans will have additional options for their family gathering while at the same time contributing to assistance for vulnerable Manitobans for whom the holidays can be a challenging time,” Simard said. “We strongly believe that removing U.S. alcohol from the shelves is the right thing to do at a time when our economy is under attack from illegal tariffs. Rather than waiting for products to expire and be destroyed, they will now fund community organizations instead.” During this time, consumers are encouraged to continue supporting the wide variety of great locally produced products available from Manitoba’s craft liquor community, the minister added.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has appointed its 2026 Board of Directors. Announced at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 29, the 2026 Board of Directors will comprise 11 members, including four new appointees. WCG members democratically elect the Board of Directors, which consists of representatives from across the communities it serves. This year’s new appointees include Brent Ewasiuk (Forrest), Gillian Halwas (Inglis), and Chris Sobchuk (Brandon) (re-elected) as Board Directors, and Tamra Rapsky (Minnedosa) as Treasurer. Returning members include Dan Robertson (Brandon) as Board Chair, Savaughn Peddle- Hastings (Souris) as 1st Vice Chair, Mike Brolund (Brandon) as 2nd Vice Chair, Gail Janz (Brandon) as Secretary, and returning as Board Directors are Dave Mahoney (Brandon), Terry McLenehan (Minnedosa), and Lorne Zacharias (Elm Creek). “I’d like to congratulate and warmly welcome our 2026 Board of Directors,” said WCG President & CEO Bud Keys. “The Board, democratically elected by our members, reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Westman region. This group of 11 community leaders plays a critical role in providing strategic direction. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure WCG continues to evolve and deliver exceptional value to all our members.” For more information on WCG’s Board of Directors, visit westmancom.com/about-us/company-profile/board-of-directors.

December 3, 2025 – The Keystone Centre and the Keystone Centre Foundation are pleased to announce the inaugural Family Fun Day, taking place Saturday, December 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, supporting the Keystone Centre Foundation. This free community event will be hosted throughout the north end of the Keystone Centre, including areas supported by our naming rights partners, Assiniboine Credit Union and Flynn. Families and community members are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, interactive activities, and holiday-themed fun, all designed to celebrate community spirit and bring people together during the festive season. “We’re proud to welcome the community into the Keystone Centre for a day of connection, learning, and holiday fun,” said Barry Cooper, Executive Director of the Keystone Centre Foundation. “Our goal is to make this a memorable celebration that will expose people to parts of the facility that they may not otherwise visit.” The Keystone Centre Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Pattison Media (Star FM and Q Country Radio), who will serve as the primary media partners for Family Fun Day, helping to share the excitement with families across Westman. Gratitude is also extended to Assiniboine Credit Union, naming rights partner of the ACU Ag Centre, as well as Old Dutch, Canada Packers, Pinnacle Event Rentals, Trident Event Group, Stacey Gabriel Photography, Sunrise Credit Union, and Pepsi for their generous support and contributions towards making this event possible. The Keystone Centre will be sharing more information about the activities and partners involved in making this Family event possible across their social media channels, and website. Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to Family Fun Day!

Photo: Wheat City Wheatless Goods Facebook Brandon’s bakery scene is about to get a unique new addition with the upcoming launch of Wheat City Wheatless Goods, a fully gluten-free bakery opening December 6, 2025. The business aims to fill a long-standing gap in the community by offering safe, high-quality baked goods made entirely without gluten. The menu will feature a selection of cookies, cupcakes, muffins, macarons, and other baked goods, all crafted with the same care and creativity found in traditional bakeries. As the December 6 opening approaches, anticipation is building. Residents looking for gluten-free treats — or simply eager to support a new local business — will soon have a fresh and flavorful option right here in Brandon. Location: 1203 Princess Ave. Facebook page.