The Manitoba government has introduced amendments to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Act that would enable retail store operators to be licensed to sell liquor as part of a five-year pilot project, Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, announced today. “As we continue to modernize Manitoba’s liquor retailing system, our government remains focused on increasing convenience for Manitobans while at the same time ensuring the responsible sale and consumption of liquor,” said Smith. “Allowing the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba to license retail store operators would ensure proper oversight and regulatory compliance, while enabling retailers to offer new products to customers that would help grow businesses.” The minister noted the proposed amendments would create the necessary conditions for a five-year liquor retail pilot project that would be set out in regulation including: when the five-year period begins; eligible pilot project participants; proximity and number of pilot project stores; and display requirements for liquor. Under the proposed amendments, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries would be able to enter into liquor retail agreements with operators provided the terms of the project are met. In addition, the definition of a liquor store would be condensed and clarified to mean the premises or that part of the premises specified in a liquor store licence where the retail sale of liquor is authorized. The change would provide flexibility when determining who is eligible for a liquor store license and expands eligibility to meet the needs of a pilot project agreement holder. Participating retailers would have to purchase liquor from Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the minister said. The changes would bring Manitoba in line with other Canadian jurisdictions, where the sale of liquor in retail stores is permitted, the minister added.

On March 7, 2023, at approximately 12:35 pm, police received a report of a hold up alarm at a business in the 100 block of 5th Street. Upon arrival, police learned that a male suspect had pulled out a knife and swung it at an employee. The employee was not injured during the incident. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. At approximately 1:05 pm, police located the intoxicated 32-year-old suspect in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue. He was arrested for Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. The male was still in possession of the knife at the time of his arrest. The male was lodged at the Brandon Police Service and he will appear in court today.

On Monday, March 6, 2023, the Board of Trustees met to review and finalize the 2023-2024 School Year Budget as follows: The 2023-2024 Operating Budget results in a 2.00% increase in the Special Requirement, no change (0.00%) in the Special Levy, a (4.33%) decrease in the mill rate for 2023, and a $(27.22) annual decrease(1.56%) on a typical home valued at $277,830. The 2023-2024 Budget includes the following: Expected enrollment growth: o In 2022-2023, the Division has experienced the largest yearly student increase of 328 (3.6%) students in over 10 years. o The Brandon School Division is a growing division, for the 2023-2024 school year, we are projecting 9,427 students, an increase of 61 (0.7%) students. OPERATING FUND Increase of 27.34 FTE teaching positions: o 25.84 FTE Teachers for enrollment growth o 1.50 FTE non-ratio teaching positions due to grants and other funding. • Increase of 23.69 FTE support staff: o 4.42 FTE Educational Assistants due to enrollment growth o 18.47 FTE Educational Assistants due to additional special needs funding o 0.18 FTE Lunchroom Education Assistants due to enrollment growth o 0.62 FTE Custodial Assistant positions due to enrollment growth and school additions • The Board reinstated the following 4.00 FTE positions eliminated previously due to budget reductions: o Supervision of Facilities – 1.00 FTE o Psychologist – 1.00 FTE o Research and Evaluation Specialist – 1.00 FTE o Human Resource Assistant – 1.00 FTE • Changed a Maintenance Worker III position into a Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) position. • The budget provides for the following inflationary increases: o 4% for school instructional budgets and other controllable supplies and services o 25% for cleaning supplies o no increase (0%) for professional development o 8% for computer equipment and capital and maintenance expenditures • Replacement of school buses will be funded through the school bus capital reserve. • Allocation of $100,000 towards the replacement of school paging systems. • No increase to the special levy, the Division’s school year education property taxes are maintained at the 2020 rate.

On March 6, 2023, at approximately 9:00 pm, police received a complaint of a disturbance at a business in the 800 block of Pacific Avenue.  Two males were reportedly having a disagreement when one of the males bit the other male’s finger causing a significant laceration.  Members attended and located the same 33-year-old male from the above noted incident.  He was arrested for Assault and lodged at the Brandon Police Service in order to prevent any additional incidents.  He will be released later today on an Appearance Notice and he is scheduled to appear in court in May.

On March 5, 2023, police received a report of a theft from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue.  A 33-year-old male decided to leave the store without paying for earrings and a shaving kit.  Members located the male in the area and arrest him for Theft under $5,000.  He was later released on an Undertaking and he is scheduled to appear in court in May.