BDNMB columnist Keith Borkowsky met with Jean and Michèle Charest last week to talk about politics and national unity. I never thought I would see the day when a Conservative would be criticized by another Conservative for being successful working in the private sector. Yet in watching a debate between candidates seeking the Conservative Party leadership, hosted by the Canada Strong and Free Network, I actually witnessed a leading candidate attack another for having used his skills and abilities to cut taxes in one of Canada’s largest provinces, create a better economy and also set the stage for Canada’s modern environment policies. I saw a candidate criticise a man who literally saved Canada from division and separation during the Quebec sovereignty referendum in 1995, and put an end to Quebec separation as a legitimate national threat for more than a generation. Division is, in a microcosm, the defining problem facing Conservatives across Canada and the United States. These divisions, save for an Stephen Harper government, have only served Liberals well. It did little for Canada, especially those supporting better economic circumstances for all. These divisions have ensured Conservatives fill the pews at Our Lady of Perpetual Opposition. It’s clear the Conservative Party has done a poor job over several election losses of convincing Canadians they have a cohesive, focussed alternative that benefits all regions of the country. They have failed to attract people without a party affiliation or convince them a Conservative government can deliver leadership on issues that matter to them. They have failed to show Conservatives can work with people who are opposed to them, and deliver results that make a difference. They have failed to show Conservatives can be the adults in the room, working with other countries to solve global issues and work to improve our national defence in light of emerging geopolitical challenges. Canada needs big projects, like oil and gas pipelines to bring our natural resources to Canadian and foreign markets. Even electric cars need plastics after all. Yet the candidate who helped build the last oil and gas pipeline in Quebec was the one being criticized for not being Conservative enough. That needs to stop. Populist policy has only divided Conservatives, and as we have seen in the United States, breeds only further division. No other party wants a litmus test to prove members belong. If you support free markets, building a better economy, sensibly reducing government bureaucracy yet ensuring the rule of law and order is maintained, you are Conservative. Leaders should welcome people into the party, not chase them away and because they aren’t Conservative enough for their liking. Stephen Harper understood this. A unified Conservative Party that adds allies to its ranks will beat politics by division and subtraction every time. Don’t just take it from me. I was at the 1993 Progressive Conservative Leadership Convention, as a supporter of Charest. Very disappointed and disillusioned with the end result, I met a man who had been on the same flight as me to Winnipeg. Like me, he was standing around waiting for his luggage and we started a conversation. He was interested in hearing about the convention. Upon hearing of my disappointment, assured me the pain of defeat would subside, and that I should continue to stay strong in my beliefs and convictions. That advice had served him well after a major setback in his own career. He also told me this: “Don’t worry. You’ll see. Jean Charest will be a fine Prime Minister one day.” That man was Jean Chretien. Even Liberal politicians know who initiates their most likely retirement plan. It is clear from the last several federal election results, and especially last week’s leadership debate, the Conservative Party needs a proven bridge builder and statesman to get back into power. It needs Jean Charest.

The City of Brandon invites interested residents to pick-up free soil amendment & woodchips this Saturday, May 14th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., weather dependent. Pickup is available at the City of Brandon Parks Complex (2020 McGregor Avenue). As there are limited quantities available, this giveaway is on a first come, first served basis. This self-serve depot is open to residents only. Commercial businesses looking for soil amendment should contact the Eastview Landfill at 204-729-2281. Those picking up either soil amendment or woodchips should bring their own shovels and containers. Maximum 60 L or three 5-Gallon pails per household. Soil amendment is the perfect organic amendment for planters, flowerbeds, gardens, lawns, and all plants. It is recommended that soil be blended with soil amendment at a 3-1 ratio. Too much soil amendment could be harmful to soil and plants. For more information on this giveaway, please visit brandonenvironment.ca or call 204-729-2171. (City of Brandon PSA)

Source: BPS News Release On Saturday May 7th, 2022, at approximately 3:27 pm, police had received several complaints regarding a male subject who was observed spray painting fences and other property along Richmond Avenue. As a result of members of the public contacting police, we were able to make an arrest on a 23 year old Brandon man and charge him with Mischief to Property Under $ 5000.00

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: May 6th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Destiny PAUPANEKIS (35 yrs)  FOR Failing to Comply with Release Order On April 17, 2022, police checked the residence of Destiny PAUPANEKIS as she was bound by a 24 hour curfew.  At that time she was not home and police learned that she did not live at the address she provided to the courts.  Her current whereabouts is unknown and a warrant of arrest has been issued. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” 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. ****************************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for May 6th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Theft Under $5000  On April 25th, 2022, at approximately 7:00pm, two female suspects stole a large quantity of meats, seafood, and health and beauty items, from a grocery store in the 3400’ block of Victoria Ave.  The suspects were captured on video surveillance, a copy of which is provided with this release.  One suspect is described as 5'7", in her mid-30’s, reddish hair (dark roots) with glasses.  She was wearing a blue jacket, dark jeans, black shoes, and large black shoulder bag.  The second suspect is described as: 5'6", heavier build, also in her 30’s.  She was wearing black leggings, brown t-shirt, dark long sleeved shirt and carrying what appeared to be a fake Michael Kors bag.

Source: BPS News Release On April 23, 2022, police responded to a report of an individual who had been sprayed with bear mace at a residence in the 400 block of 6th street at approximately 10:30 pm. Investigation revealed that a 20-year-old female suspect broke in to the residence and sprayed a female resident known to her.  She then chased the resident throughout the home and into her room.  Once the victim was in her room, the suspect kicked her door causing damage to it. While the suspect was armed with bear mace, she stole an IPhone from another resident who was present at the time. An arrest warrant had been issued for the suspect, who was located on May 4, 2022.  She was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Fail to comply with Release Order X4, Assault with a Weapon, Break and Enter with Intent, Mischief Under $5000, And Robbery with a Weapon.