The Manitoba government is donating $2.6 million from the sale of American liquor products to support community programs and initiatives across the province, including local holiday hamper donation programs, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Manitobans embraced this initiative with their typical generosity of spirit, and folks can feel good knowing their money helped to make this holiday season brighter for families who need it most,” said Kinew. “We know keeping American liquor off the shelves has impacted the fight against President Trump’s tariffs, but we’re glad to see this inventory used to generate a little holiday spirit rather than languish in a warehouse.” Of the $2.6 million, the Manitoba government will donate: $1 million to the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board to support the delivery of Christmas hampers and other donations to families over the holiday season; $500,000 will be donated to Harvest Manitoba to support distribution to local food banks; $500,000 will be donated to Brandon charities, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and its regional partner organizations; and the remaining funds will be donated to Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. to support their donation programs. This contribution reflects the Manitoba government’s commitment to re-investing revenue in ways that benefit residents and strengthen local communities. The funds will be directed toward programs that promote health, education and social well-being. The Manitoba government also confirmed it will continue to sell the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor products and expand sales beyond the select Liquor Marts in the initial round. Proceeds from the sale of U.S. products will continue to be donated to charity, the premier noted.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Nicholas DURACK FOR Assault Causing Bodily Harm / Robbery. DURACK, a 25-year-old male, is wanted in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred on December 9, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m. at a residence in Brandon. It is alleged that DURACK participated in an assault on a male, during which the victim was struck with a whisky bottle and robbed of personal items and clothing. DURACK has pending charges, including Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Robbery, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. CRIME OF THE WEEK for December 17, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a THEFT.  On December 11th, 2025, at approximately 2:14 p.m., the woman shown entered a store in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue and stole items. She was seen wearing a white cap, black sunglasses, black pants, black jacket and was carrying a Co-op bag and backpack. It’s the season of giving—not taking. This kind of “shopping” lands you firmly on the naughty list. If you have information on this woman, please contact Crime Stoppers. All tips remain anonymous.   ************** If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

Break and Enter to Commit Theft / Theft of Motor Vehicle / ++ Charges On December 16 at approximately 8:20 a.m., an employee from a business located in the 3200 block of Victoria Avenue reported a break and enter. During the overnight hours, a suspect smashed a window to gain entry into the business and stole a truck, two laptop computers, and various tools. A credit card was also stolen and subsequently used at three separate businesses. Video surveillance assisted police in identifying the suspect as a 42-year-old male. At approximately 12:17 p.m., police received a report that the stolen vehicle was fueling at a business in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue. Officers attended the location, where the vehicle and additional stolen property were recovered. The suspect was arrested at the scene and transported to the Brandon Police Service (BPS) detention unit. He was held in custody to appear in court on the morning of December 17, 2025. Charges include Break and Enter to Commit Theft, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Theft Over $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x2, Mischief Under $5000, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, and Drive while Disqualified. Assault with a Weapon On December 17 at approximately 3:08 a.m., police attended an apartment building in the 400 block of 10th Street following a report of a male yelling for help and stating, “I’ve been stabbed.” Upon arrival, officers located a 32-year-old male victim who reported he had been sleeping at the time of the incident. A 25-year-old female was also on scene and was observed to have blood on her clothing and shoes. She was arrested for Assault with a Weapon. The male was transported by ambulance to hospital. His injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and he was expected to be released shortly thereafter. The injuries included cut/stab wounds to his ribs and leg. The female was held in BPS detention cells to be released with a future court date via Undertaking once sober and assessed by the Crisis Response Unit (CRU).

Brandon, MB – At its regular meeting on Mon, Dec. 15, Brandon City Council discussed a range of community initiatives, policy updates, and operational matters. Key highlights are summarized below. View the full agenda at brandon.ca/media/lrxniewo/agenda-december-15-2025.pdf. Memorials In The Right-of-Way Policy Council approved the Memorials in Right-of-Way Policy, which provides a consistent and respectful process for the request, approval, installation and maintenance of memorials that commemorate victims of fatal motor vehicle collisions. 2026 Fee Schedule Council approved the 2026 Annual Fee Schedule, which outlines the fees for a variety of services and good provided. Fees are reviewed as part of the annual budget process. The proposed revisions to fee schedule reflect costs associated with delivering municipal services and aim to uphold principles of fairness and sustainability. Review of Agreements with the Brandon School Division City Council directed administration to review election and School Resource Officer agreements, with report due by Jan. 19, 2026. Quotation - Supply and Delivery of Rapid Response Trucks Council approved the bid for two new fire department units: a Brush Truck and Rescue Unit. The total bid price was $942,086 and is cost-shared between the City, the RM of Elton, and the RM of Cornwallis. 1000 - Block of McTavish Avenue Closure Council approved a partial road closure plan for Brandon Police Service parking lot. Residential Auger-Installed Steel Piles Regulation Council amended Building By-Law No. 7258 to include exceptions to engineering requirements for small projects, such as sheds, decks and ramps. City inspectors will ensure compliance, making the process more efficient. FCM Green Canada’s Community Canopies  Fund Application Council supported an application to the Growing Canada's Community Canopies—Urban Forestry Plans and Studies program to improve Brandon’s tree inventory in 2027. The project is estimated at $245,000, with FCM funding up to $175,000 (80%). If approved, the City's share will be around $70,000. Organic Diversion Pilot Program for Multi-Unit Dwellings Council will consider a 12-week, $50,000 pilot program for multi-unit residences during the 2026 budget deliberations. This program would involve 120 participants from multi-family units using electric food recyclers. Underground Utility Dig Restoration Update Council received an update on 2025 work and approved expanded restoration for 2026. At the end of the 2025 season, crews completed 117 asphalt restorations, 114 cement restorations, and 103 landscape restorations. By-Laws: Council gave first reading to By-Law No. 7442 to borrow funds for stormwater infrastructure in southeast Brandon. Council gave first reading to By-Law No. 7441 to rezone 1445 – 8th Street for a six-unit residential development.

On December 15, a traffic stop was conducted in the 1300 block of 26th Street based on information received from the BPS Organized Crime Section. The vehicle contained four occupants, all of whom were arrested and charged with Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) offences, including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Proceeds of Crime. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 13.12 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $1,300, and 5 grams of cocaine, valued at approximately $500. Police also seized $4,085 in Canadian currency. All cellular phones located within the vehicle were seized as part of the investigation. A 39-year-old male was charged with CDSA Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine and cocaine), Possession of Proceeds of Crime, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order. He was held in custody at the BPS detention unit and is scheduled to appear in court the following morning, December 16th, 2025. Three female occupants, aged 45, 30, and 29, were each charged with CDSA Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine and cocaine) and Possession of Proceeds of Crime. All three were later released on an Undertaking and are scheduled to appear in court on March 12, 2026.