The Manitoba government is strengthening the province’s education system by increasing funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools by $100 million for the 2023-24 school year, representing an increase of 6.1 per cent in operating funding, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today. “Our government believes that all students must succeed regardless of where they live, their background or circumstances, and this year’s investment will provide an operating funding increase to each and every school division across the province,” said Ewasko. “Every division will see an increase in funding next year, which will help them engage students and invest in the programs and services that will best meet the needs of local communities.” Since 2016-17, operational funding to schools has increased by $328 million or 23 per cent, the minister noted. This year’s annual funding includes an increase of $100 million including: $62.9-million increase in operating support including an additional $20 million to address cost pressures, $5 million for special needs along with increases in other existing grants; $8-million increase in capital support payments; $24-million increase to the Property Tax Offset Grant; and additional $5-million increase for independent schools. The Manitoba government is also investing another $106 million to make one-time funding provided to school divisions last year permanent. This includes $22 million to support student presence and engagement to facilitate the implementation of Safe and Caring Schools, the new policy directive and action plan for enhancing student presence and engagement. Making this funding permanent will help school divisions respond to financial pressures, strengthen student learning and supports, and provide additional support for students with special learning needs. Building these increases into the annual funding allotment to schools will ensure these funds remain available now and into the future, the minister said. “This significant investment in kindergarten to Grade 12 education keeps Manitoba among the highest per-pupil funded provinces across Canada,” said Ewasko. “This investment continues to highlight our ongoing commitment to improving literacy and numeracy and strengthening Indigenous education.” The minister noted work continues on the development of a new education funding model, with one-to-one consultations planned with each school division post-budget. The minister noted today’s announcement builds on other recent investments to strengthen Manitoba’s education system with a focus on continuous improvement including: providing an additional $900,000 to increase the Intensive Newcomer Support Grant to $1.8 million, helping schools provide supports for newcomers entering Manitoba’s education system; establishing the Manitoba Education Council to take a provincewide approach to planning, implementing and monitoring Manitoba’s K to 12 Education Action Plan; completing the construction of seven new schools since 2019, with seven additional schools in the design or construction phase; investing $5 million in 57 new projects under the Teachers’ Idea Fund; and launching an action plan on student presence and engagement. For more information on school funding, visit: https://edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/finance/schfund/index.html. (Province of MB News Release)

Brandon Riverbank Inc. announces that Dean Hammond has been named Executive Director of the non-profit charitable organization committed to developing the Assiniboine River Corridor as a gathering place connecting people with nature. Born and raised in Brandon, Dean holds a business degree from Brandon University and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Dean has worked for small and medium-sized businesses, a Fortune 500 company, and most recently in Municipal Government. Dean has vast experience in finance, leadership, project management, Six Sigma, and many other areas. Dean has sat on many not-for-profit Boards including six years with Riverbank, most recently as Vice-President. Dean is a lifelong resident of Brandon and he and his family are frequent users of the Riverbank facilities. In his spare time, Dean enjoys cycling, paddle sports, travel, and anything to do with the outdoors. “I’m extremely honoured to be selected as the Executive Director for Brandon Riverbank Inc. Hammond said. This facility is very near and dear to my heart and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Staff, the City of Brandon, and our many partners who are so devoted to this space. Riverbank is already a jewel for our community, but I truly believe that we are on the verge of many more great things to come.” Dean will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plans of the organization. Dean will be starting with Riverbank on February 27th. “All of us at Brandon Riverbank Inc. are thrilled to have Dean lead the organization, as we continue to move forward with the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan, Sawatzky Sculpture Gardens, and many future projects”, Board President Terry Jaenen, said. “I can’t wait to see where we can go.”

On January 31st, 2023 at 6:09 am, police received a report from a Taxi driver that his taxi was stolen by two males and one female while in the area of 1st St. and Brock Ave.  The suspects had threatened the driver with a knife, and stole his phone and money. At 6:27 am a second report was received that a red Pontiac Montana was stolen from a residence in the 1100 block of 8th street, while left outside running.  The taxi was also recovered in the 1100 block of 8th Street. At 6:41 am members of Patrol and Canine located the stolen Pontiac Montana unoccupied in the 900blk alley between 9th and 10th Street.  A Canine track was initiated from the abandoned van leading to a residence in the 1000 block of 9th Street.  While at this location, a female suspect exited the residence and was identified as being involved in the robbery.  She was subsequently taken into custody. A further investigation by the BPS Major Crimes Section resulted in a search warrant to this residence leading to the recovering of the stolen cell phone. The 25 year old female was lodged at BPS and will appear February 1st, 2023 for the following charges:  Party to the Offence of Armed Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Uttering Threats, and Theft of Motor Vehicle.

In July 2022, police received a report of an internal fraud and theft from a business in the 800 block of 18th Street North.  Between March and July 2022, an employee conducted numerous fraudulent returns and thefts totaling over $2,400.  On January 30, 2023, police arrested a 20-year-old male for Fraud under $5,000 and Theft under $5,000.  He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court in March.

In the last 24 hours we have received 2 reports where local residents received calls from an unknown male presenting himself as a grandchild in distress.  In both cases the “grandchild” coerced the call taker that they needed to help to pay for bail.  In both cases the suspect convinced the victims to hand over thousands of dollars in cash.  NO ONE will ever take your cash from you for bail here or anywhere else other than at the Provincial Courthouse.  DO NOT give money of any kind to anyone unless you are personally dealing with the Court.