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 Keystone Centre unveiled a significant new addition to Westoba Place, Sept 20, at the Brandon Wheat Kings home opener game against the Moose Jaw Warriors: the “Seat of Truth.” This installation is described as a deliberate effort to foster awareness, understanding, and dialogue surrounding issues of truth and reconciliation. Located on Treaty 2 territory—home to the Dakota, Ojibway, and Métis peoples—this initiative reflects the Keystone Centre’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the rich Indigenous heritage of the area. The Seat of Truth, located in Section 112, Seat 2 in Row K, is easily visible to all guests entering the arena, and the placement serves as a deliberate acknowledgement of Treaty 2, signed in 1871 at Manitoba House, present day Kinosota, MB. This seat will remain intentionally empty to serve as a commemorative action for the spirits and lives of those lost to historical violence, including Residential Schools, and whose memories must be honored. Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre, emphasizes the importance of this space: “The ‘Seat of Truth’ is more than just a physical installation; it represents the Keystone Centre’s ongoing commitment to helping our region’s shared history remain visible in a highly public space. It serves as a powerful reminder for everyone who enters the arena that understanding and respect are crucial for building a unified community. The initiative has also been supported by local Indigenous leaders who champion the significance of truth and reconciliation. Jason Gobeil, Outreach Coordinator with the Province of Manitoba, notes, “creating opportunities of awareness and education are pathways to learning about a history untold; the Seat of Truth reminds us of the importance we all play in reconciliation locally and within our province,” highlighting the importance of creating awareness in public spaces. The Keystone Centre invites all community members to engage with the “Seat of Truth” as a space not only for reflection but also for action. As events and gatherings take place within Westoba Place, visitors are encouraged to take a moment to acknowledge the histories that shape our collective identity and to participate in conversations that can lead to deeper understanding. For more information on the “Seat of Truth” and upcoming events at the Keystone Centre, please visit www.keystonecentre.com or reach out directly.

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.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) is excited to announce the next step in its efforts to connect Westman: The Connecting Westman Tour Loge Box. In partnership with the Keystone Centre, WCG will provide access to the newest way of experiencing events, such as the upcoming Brandon Wheat Kings season. The Connecting Westman Tour is an annual community-driven initiative that serves WCG-connected communities and the projects that matter most to local residents. During the summer, the Tour provides fundraising events through charity barbecues. The winter continuation of the Tour will be used to provide Westman residents with opportunities to attend events such as Wheat Kings hockey games in one of the newly installed loge boxes. The Connecting Westman Tour Loge Box is a specially designed space to enhance connection as attendees share in experiences. The loge boxes are semi-enclosed seating areas located around the upper concourse of the Westoba Place, installed in the summer of 2024. In partnership with the Keystone Centre, the Connecting Westman Tour Loge Box will help support local events held in the arena. “WCG is proud to continue its longstanding commitment to the Keystone Centre,” said WCG Senior Director Derek Radics. “The Connecting Westman Loge Box is a great addition to the Tour and will be a new way for people to view the Brandon Wheat Kings hockey games.” WCG will distribute tickets through social media giveaways or donate tickets to deserving causes. To stay updated, visit WCG’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.

The 2024 Food Truck Warz, held at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, was a major hit with food enthusiasts from across the province. This year's event, which took place from September 13-15, featured an exciting lineup of food vendors offering a wide variety of culinary delights, including BBQ, grilled meats, and sweet treats. The standout truck, Smoked & Sauced BBQ, won top honors in the fan vote, thanks to its perfectly smoked meats and signature BBQ sauces. Another big winner was Firebird Grilled Chicken & Smokies, which took home the "Best Bang for Your Buck" award for offering large portions of flavorful grilled dishes at reasonable prices.