Due to the increased threat of the omicron variant of concern, rising COVID-19 cases and a growing strain on the health-care system, Manitoba is taking additional steps to help curb the spread of the virus in the fourth wave of the pandemic, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced today. “We are taking the advice of our public health officials to put new measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect each other from this virus and the omicron variant,” said Gordon. “This is difficult, especially around the holidays, but it is a necessary step. Once again, we must ask Manitobans to do more. In addition to following these new orders, I encourage every Manitoban eligible to get their first, second or third dose to keep themselves safe.” The new restrictions include: private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth aged 12 and under are exempt); private indoor gatherings are limited to five additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth aged 12 and under are exempt); indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation capacity is reduced to 50 per cent for spectators, while games and practices can continue no tournaments will be permitted; large group gatherings will be limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization; gyms, movie theatres, museums and libraries are limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere except libraries; restaurants and licensed premises are limited to 50 per cent capacity and seated service only with a maximum of 10 people per table and proof of immunization required; and faith-based gatherings are limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of vaccination, or 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. “We are seeing concerning numbers now, particularly with the omicron variant,” said Roussin. “Projections clearly show more challenges ahead for our individual health, to our communities and for our health-care system as a whole. We need to take further steps to curb the situation. Thank you to all Manitobans who are following the public health orders, focusing on the fundamentals and choosing to be vaccinated. It is frustrating to be here again but I know we will step up to make these necessary changes, together.” The orders go into effect on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 12:01 a.m. and expire on Jan. 11, 2022. The updated orders keep the Pandemic Response System at Restricted (Orange) with schools at Caution (Yellow). All other public health orders remain unchanged. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19. (Province of MB News Release)

Earlier today, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) issued its decision on Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s 2022/23 General Rate Application, which approves a 1.57 per cent rate decrease for policyholders as well as a rebate of approximately $312 million. This is the third rebate in just over a year, and will be the third year in a row that Manitobans have received a rate decrease from its public auto insurer. “MPI continues to demonstrate strong financial performance and this is great news for Manitobans,” said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton. “Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to benefit from having a public insurance model which has resulted in almost $500 million going back into the hands of Manitobans.” “The assistance provided by these rebates to customers when they need it most is an important way to deliver direct relief to Manitobans during these trying times.” Manitobans will continue to benefit from an additional discount of up to five per cent on their Basic Autopac premium under MPI’s Capital Management Plan (CMP). The CMP was introduced, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, to allow customers to benefit from any surplus capital in MPI’s Basic line of business. The capital release percentage (or build percentage as the case may be), is included in the customers’ annual premiums, and determined annually based on the state of MPI’s Rate Stabilization Reserve. The PUB also approved changes to the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) system. As a result, in 2022/23, the top of the DSR scale will expand from +15 to +16. This is the first step in a multi-year plan to gradually introduce higher DSR levels in the coming years, allowing the safest drivers to receive the greatest benefits. “We are pleased with the PUB’s ruling as this is a good news for our customers,” said Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, MPI. “Our General Rate Application was put forward with careful considerations of the pandemic impacts and with fiscal prudence at the forefront. “We remain committed to providing value to Manitobans while ensuring the financial strength of the Corporation.” The PUB made no finding with respect to the assertion by participating intervenors that MPI’s transfer of excess capital from its Extension business to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing line of business was unlawful. MPI’s position remains that the transfer of capital from Extension to the DVA line of business is separate and distinct from the Basic Autopac line of business. MPI transferred this capital in full compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations and Manitobans can therefore be assured that MPI will remain financially strong across all of its lines of business in its delivery of services. Customer information for 2022/23 Policyholders can expect to receive a rebate cheque in early February 2022. Further details about the rebate will be made in the coming weeks at mpi.mb.ca. The approved rates will be effective April 1, 2022, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners will not pay their new rates until March 31, 2023. The 1.57 per cent rate decrease means the average passenger vehicle owner will pay about $16 less in premiums per year. MPI expects that almost 95 per cent of drivers at DSR level +15 will move up to DSR level +16 and receive a four per cent higher vehicle premium discount (37% compared to 33%). Driver licence premiums for DSR levels +15 and +16 will be $15. While DSR levels +15 and +16 will have the same vehicle premium discounts for the 2022/23 rating year, this will change for future years.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On December 14, 2021, Brandon Police Service was made aware of an attempt to defraud the public using brand new, still in the package VISA Gift Cards.  Fraudsters are taking the gift cards from the store without purchasing them.  They somehow then gain access to the package and remove the card.  The portion of the card that contains the card information needed to redeem it is cut off.  The remainder is then placed back inside the plastic packaging and re-sealed with little evidence of being opened.  Fraudsters keep the card information portion.  They then take the gift cards back to the store where they are placed back on the shelf for purchase.  Once the gift card is purchased and loaded with funds, the fraudsters access it with the gift card information they cut off.  After Christmas when the recipient of the gift card attempts to use it the funds will already be used.  If you are purchasing any gift cards this holiday season please beware of any signs the packaging has been tampered with.

City of Brandon City Manager Ron Bowles is announcing changes to the City of Brandon’s senior leadership team and the organizational structure, effective February 1, 2022. “Starting a leadership job amid a pandemic has been a challenge, to say the least,” notes City Manager Ron Bowles. “Despite this, I have spent the first six months talking to many employees and the community about City of Brandon services. Not surprisingly, the overall sentiment is very positive.” In the interest of improving services and growing community for the residents of Brandon, there are areas within the organization requiring adjustment. The following list briefly outlines opportunities city employees will be tackling over the coming years: Proactive service notification and increased community reporting Robust infrastructure planning for the future Cross-departmental business planning and work collaboration Targeted operational amendments to Public Works, Development, and Recreation Services Celebrating our successes and leaning into issues as they arise Stemming from these five opportunities, there will be several changes to leadership positions and the organizational structure, effective February 1, 2022. Operational Services Division Consists of Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Transportation, and Utilities. It will see the current General Manager of Development Services, Patrick Pulak, transfer in as the permanent General Manager of Operations. The General Manager of Operations position was temporarily filled by Ian Broome. Mr. Broome will continue assisting the many operational departments as a quality consultant, focusing on customer service, training, equipment operation and safety. Development Services Division Consists of Planning & Buildings Department and Engineering Services, as led by Directors Ryan Nickel and Mark Allard, respectively. Both directors will take on increased responsibility in the interim period. With strong leadership in this division, the City of Brandon will take time to carefully consider corporate needs before posting for a General Manager of Development Services position. Corporate Services Division The Finance Department will move from Corporate Services to the City Manager Division. A new internal service called business and infrastructure planning will be created. Although this function does not have direct employees, General Manager of Corporate Services, Dean Hammond, will be coordinating critically important corporate-wide initiatives, such as asset management and business planning. Affordable Housing and Wellness will move into Corporate Services from Development Services. “City of Brandon employees take pride in Serving and Building Community,” says City Manager Ron Bowles. “Our path of continual improvement shows this commitment.” More information on the City of Brandon’s Organization Structure can be found at brandon.ca/city-manager/overview. (City of Brandon PSA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Food, not waste” food rescue grocery store opening this week Brandon, MB – New grocery store for low-income individuals, and those concerned about environmental sustainability. The Food Rescue Grocery Store accepts donations from producers, processors, and food rescue organizations that meet and follow health and food safety regulations. They have a goal of rescuing 100,000 pounds of food this year. The store accepts debit or cash transactions, and proceeds will go towards the store's continued operation. They will open their doors this coming Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the Blue Door Project in downtown Brandon. The issue of food insecurity is an income issue that affects 14.4% of Manitobans. Because lack of financial resources is the root of the issue, this problem won’t be solved by giving people food. Food security, as defined by the 5 A's, means that food is available, accessible, adequate, acceptable, and ensures agency. At the same time, research undertaken by Second Harvest Food Rescue shows that in Canada 11.2 metric tonnes of edible food are going into the landfill every year, with an estimated value of 49.46 billion dollars. “At the foundation of the Food Rescue Grocery Store is a philosophy of respect for people, the environment, and the food itself. We’re supporting our community by lowering financial barriers, providing agency, or choice in individual food selection, and ensuring equitable participation. So everyone can choose when they would like to shop during our set store hours. They can shop just like you would at a regular grocery store and then they can purchase those items with dignity,” says Olivia Boyce, Chair of the Brandon Food Council. The Food Rescue Store is a partnership project developed by the Brandon Food Council, John Howard Society, and Prairie Oasis Seniors Centre. The idea was developed to distribute rescued food received over and above what can be used in Everyone Eats Brandon and Meals on Wheels Brandon. https://www.foodrescuegrocery.com/ Contacts Brandon Food Council            Olivia Boyce                204-724-3311 John Howard Society              Ross Robinson            204-727-1696 ext. 3