In a joint news conference held today, MGEU and CUPE announced that formal strike notice has been served for more than 25,000 health care support workers across Manitoba. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a strike will begin on October 8, 2024. A number of these often physically demanding jobs start at just above minimum wage ($17.07/hour for many). Far too often people in Manitoba communities are choosing other jobs on the way to something better. Even if these workers had accepted the employers’ last offer, they would still be the lowest paid health care support workers in Canada. “You can’t expect to fix health care if you have the lowest paid health workers in Canada. The employers’ last offer just doesn’t do enough to recruit and retain the workers needed to run our health care,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Continuing to fill staffing gaps with private agency workers is costly and wasteful. Instead, Manitoba needs to grow its health care workforce to provide the care that patients and residents deserve.” “Every day the employer puts off addressing these issues means patient and resident care will continue to suffer,” Ross said. “Strike action is a last resort, but health care in Manitoba is in crisis and that crisis demands urgent action.” “If Manitoba is serious about fixing health care, it will need to resolve the health care staffing crisis, and that means paying fair and competitive wages for health care support workers,” said CUPE President Gina McKay. “Health care jobs that were once seen as highly desirable are just not competitive anymore. The result is increasing staff vacancy rates that are negatively affecting patients and residents.” Both leaders agreed, fixing health care and delivering quality health care takes a whole team. By serving strike notice today, CUPE and MGEU hope to persuade the employer to come back to the table ready to negotiate a fair deal that respects these workers as key members of the health care team. CUPE and MGEU bargaining committees are ready to return to negotiations as soon as possible to try and reach a settlement before October 8. In the interim, however, both unions are preparing for strike action, should it become necessary. In the event of a strike, agreements have been negotiated with the employer, in accordance with provincial legislation, to ensure essential health care services continue. These health care support staff members work at hospitals and personal care homes, and in the provincial home care program. The workers include health care aides, laundry workers, dietary aides, ward clerks, recreation coordinators, maintenance, housekeeping and other support staff.  MGEU represents 6,500 health care support workers in Prairie Mountain Health and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

The Spirit Halloween store has returned to Brandon, Manitoba, for the 2024 Halloween season. This pop-up location is now open at 923 18th Street North, in the space formerly occupied by Ardene. Spirit Halloween will be available through early November, offering a wide range of costumes, decorations, animatronics, and accessories for all ages. It is the largest Halloween retailer in North America, known for providing a comprehensive Halloween shopping experience with themed aisles and interactive displays​. Spirit Halloween is open Monday to Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.

Since forming in 2008, Sunrise Credit Union has prioritized supporting community groups, organizations, sports teams, and events. This commitment is a collective effort, with each of Sunrise Credit Union's 19 branches hosting at least one fundraising event annually. The money raised from these events is a testament to the unity and involvement of our community. It is donated to a worthwhile group, organization, or cause in their community. In the spring and summer of 2024, Sunrise Credit Union branches held 26 events. With the generous support of our community, $27,893.89 was raised. These funds were donated to community groups and organizations, a testament to the value we place on our community's support. "We are incredibly fortunate to be able to support local organizations that do so much for our communities," said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, "We applaud the time and effort by our staff in our communities to hold these fundraising events and to the members of their various communities for supporting these initiatives." Sunrise Credit Union contributes more than $325,000 annually toward community donations, sponsorships and scholarships and looks forward to helping more community organizations through additional branch fundraising throughout the year. This collection of efforts shows what being part of our communities is all about. Below is a breakdown of funds raised and the organizations that benefited from our commitment to our communities. Organization Benefitting Branch Amount Minnedosa Museum & Heritage Village Minnedosa $252.00 Ste. Rose Fitness Center Ste. Rose $1,100.00 Parkland Humane Society Grandview $1,390.00 Canada Day Committee Minnedosa $300.00 Holland Elementary School Breakfast Program Holland $1,850.35 Baldur Care Home (BBQ & Raffle) Baldur $3,290.24 Cypress River Memorial Hall Renovations Cypress River $1,832.50 Deloraine Minor Ball Association Deloraine $1,800.00 Waskada Community Foods (BBQ) Waskada $1,200.00 Waskada Lions Club (Raffle) Waskada $1,730.00 Hartney Fair Grounds Hartney $2,000.00 Erickson & Area Food Bank Sandy Lake $393.80 Sandy Lake Swim Program Sandy Lake $465.00 Fun Fest Committee Minnedosa $283.00 Boissevain School Playground Project Boissevain* $914.00 Virden Costume Closet Virden $2,000.00 Treherne Aquatic Centre (Swim Day) Treherne $684.00 Strathclair Fire Department Strathclair $1,004.00 Melita Fire Department Melita $2,000.00 Oakburn Community Hall Shoal Lake $1,005.00 Minnedosa Youth Drop-In Centre Minnedosa $512.00 Pipestone Memorial Park (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Pipestone Fun Days (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Seniors Helping Hands (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 Reston Willowview Palliative Care (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60 2025 Pipestone Homecoming (Meat Draw) Reston $377.60

The Trans Canada Brewing Company has announced plans to open a new location in Brandon, Manitoba, in the spring of 2026.  The announcement was made via their official Facebook page, where they shared excitement about bringing their wide range of craft beers to a new audience. The new Brandon location will feature a taproom where customers can enjoy freshly brewed beers, along with their famous pizza and a welcoming atmosphere that mirrors the vibe of their flagship location in Winnipeg. The company aims to create a community space where beer lovers can gather, explore new flavors, and enjoy special events. The Brandon location (105 Middleton Ave, old Barneys Motel) will further solidifying Trans Canada Brewing Company’s status as a leader in the regional craft brewing industry.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trans Canada Brewing Company (@transcanadabeer)

As the aroma of sizzling meats and mouth-watering sauces fills the air, all eyes will be on Blue Haze BBQ as they gear up to defend their title as the fan favorite at this year's Food Truck Warz. The much-anticipated event is set to take place from September 13-15 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, MB, bringing together some of the region's most beloved food trucks for a three-day culinary showdown. Blue Haze BBQ, known for their smoky, tender meats and tangy, house-made sauces, won over the hearts and taste buds of festival-goers last year, earning them the coveted title of fan favorite. Their return to this year’s competition has fans excited, and the pressure is on for them to live up to their well-earned reputation. However, the road to victory won't be easy. This year's competition is fierce, featuring a lineup of returning champions and exciting newcomers that are sure to bring their A-game. Among the seasoned competitors are KYU Grill, known for their unique Japanese fusion street food, Smoked & Sauced Mobile BBQ, with their southern-style barbecue delights, and The Churro Stop, a fan favorite for their sweet, crispy treats. But the competition doesn't stop there. Newcomers like Little Bones Wings, Big Daddies Perogies & More, and Olde English Fish N’ Chips are sure to add some extra spice to the contest. Little Bones Wings, famous for their crispy, flavor-packed chicken wings, Big Daddies with their hearty, comforting perogies, and Olde English Fish N’ Chips, serving up traditional British fare, are all poised to make a big splash at this year’s event. With such a diverse array of culinary talent, this year's Food Truck Warz promises to be a tantalizing treat for foodies in Brandon and beyond. The question on everyone’s mind is: can Blue Haze BBQ hold onto their title, or will one of the challengers steal the crown?   Festival-goers will have the chance to try a wide variety of dishes and cast their votes for their favorites. Whether you’re craving smoky barbecue, international flavors, or sweet treats, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. Food Truck Warz is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and, of course, incredible food. Whether you’re a returning fan of Blue Haze BBQ or eager to try something new, this year’s event at the Keystone Centre is one you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars for September 13-15 and prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure. Will Blue Haze BBQ defend their title as the fan favorite, or will a new champion emerge? Only time—and taste—will tell. *lineup subject to change