The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would designate the polar bear as an official provincial emblem, Premier Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Northern Manitoba is known internationally for its polar bears, tourists come from around the globe to see and learn about these majestic animals in their natural habitat in Churchill,” said Goertzen. “Recognizing the polar bear as an official symbol of Manitoba would help build on our province’s brand as the ‘polar bear capital of the world’ and a must-see, one-of-a-kind tourism attraction for visitors of all ages.” Manitoba’s tourism industry is a key contributor to the provincial economy and polar bears represent a significant draw to tourists from across the country and around the world, the premier noted. Manitoba has already made significant investments to protect polar bears and their natural habitat with the creation of the Polar Bear Protection Act as well as providing significant financial support for the creation of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Bill 76, the Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amendment Act would designate the polar bear as an official provincial emblem to recognize the important role the polar bear currently plays as an internationally recognized symbol of Manitoba. The polar bear would become the second official mammalian emblem of Manitoba. In 2014, the North American plains bison was officially recognized as a mammal emblem. In addition to the polar bear and plains bison, Manitoba currently recognizes the great grey owl, pickerel, white spruce, prairie crocus, big bluestem grass, Newdale soil and the mosasaur as official natural emblems. (Province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On October 5, 2021, shortly before 1:00 am, police responded to a report of an assault at a residence. A 20-year-old female struck the victim with a glass bottle causing injury that required hospital treatment. She was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Assault with a Weapon, and Assault Cause Bodily Harm.  

October 3-9 is Fire Prevention Week.  This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”.  This campaign strives to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action! Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, press the test button and check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box or search the brand and model online. SMOKE ALARMS A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTORS A continuous set of four loud beeps – beep, beep, beep, beep – means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means its time to get a new CO alarm. Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors meet the needs of everyone in your home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. (City of Brandon PSA)

Assiniboine Community College is announcing a new partnership with Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology and Indigenous Youth Development Canada to deliver a tuition-free Heavy Duty Technician program. The program will commence in December 2021 at the college’s North Hill campus in Brandon. "As a former heavy duty instructor, I am excited about this partnership, which allows entry into this field to those who may not otherwise have the chance,” said Assiniboine’s Chairperson of Mechanical Trades, Lloyd Carey. “This is a gateway to jobs with excellent potential. These students can gain credit for their Level 1 common core apprenticeship accreditation, which would allow them to branch out even further into Heavy Duty Equipment, Agricultural Equipment or Truck and Transport specializations." The program, funded by Algonquin College, prepares students for in-demand careers within a trade that employers report has a shortage of skilled workers. As part of the program, participants will complete hands-on, in-school training for 28 weeks plus a 280-hour paid work placement. Selection into the eight-month program will focus on engaging Indigenous youth 18 to 30 years of age, who are not in employment, education or training (NEET Youth). There is space for twelve students. Tuition, textbooks, personal protective equipment, supplies and tools are all covered at no cost to those enrolled in the program. “Costs for training to acquire the skills and aptitudes required for entry into the job market are an ongoing barrier to employment,” said Assiniboine’s Director, Indigenous Education, Kris Desjarlais. “We are thrilled that students won’t have to worry about funding and can enjoy a hands-on learning environment.” Interested candidates must attend a free program information session as part of their admissions process into the program. For more program details and to register for an info session, visit assiniboine.net/heavydutyTF. (ACC Release)

Last night a black Jeep hopped a large curb on 1st Street just south of Pacific Avenue and smashed into a building that housed Wheat City Elite Taxi. There were skid marks on the concrete curb left by the Jeep before it went over the edge, which seemed to be about a 3 foot high drop. The Jeep smashed into the side of the building causing extensive damage, and leaving a gaping hole in the wall. Nobody was injured, it is unknown what caused the Jeep to leave the roadway.