Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) thanks the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for hearing and responding to the 2026/27 General Rate Application. MPI respects the independent role of PUB and will work to implement the order for the Basic line of business beginning on April 1, 2026. Coverage under MPI’s Basic insurance is mandatory for Manitoba drivers. Rates are regulated and approved by PUB on an annual basis, with industry stakeholders participating in the hearing process. Following the Corporation’s request for a 2.07 per cent increase, PUB has ordered a 1.77 per cent increase to Basic insurance rates for the 2026/27 insurance year. This represents an annual increase of $21.89 to the average private passenger vehicle policy next year, which is approximately $1.82 per month. PUB has also approved MPI’s application to expand the range of vehicle rate groups for private passenger and light truck vehicles from 41 to 45. This expansion allows MPI to more accurately reflect the claims cost of vehicles in higher groups. Individual vehicle premiums will vary depending on the type of vehicle being insured. An expansion to +20 under the Driver Safety Rating system has also been approved in the 2026/27 order. Customers who move to the new level +20 on the scale will receive a discount of 53 per cent off the cost of their vehicle insurance and 55 per cent off their driver insurance, which continues to reward Manitoba drivers for their safe driving behaviours. MPI is also offering customers more choice and flexibility to maximize the affordability of their Basic mandatory coverage. Beginning in April 2026, MPI is adjusting the Basic insurance deductible from $750 to $1,000. Customers can choose a higher deductible to maximize the affordability of the mandatory product or can opt for a lower deductible level by purchasing an optional product through MPI’s Extension line of business. During a customer’s annual renewal process when Annual Statements of Account and Renewal Notices are mailed out, customers that are currently at a $750 deductible will be automatically assigned a $750 Extension product deductible. Each customer will still have the opportunity to adjust their deductible level and can make those changes by visiting their Autopac agent. Changes made prior to the policy renewal and payment due dates will be free of charge. MPI continues to be committed to providing affordable rates for Manitobans. All changes delivered in the order will be in effect as of April 1, 2026.

Failure to Comply – Release Order On December 18th at 4:27 p.m. a traffic stop was conducted in the 2600 block of Princess Avenue. The driver was a 26-year-old male who was suspended from driving, and on a Release Order not to possess/consume alcohol. (Open liquor observed in the center consul of vehicle). The male blew a warning on the ASD and the vehicle was towed. The male was processed and later released via Appearance Notice with a court date of February 2nd, 2026.  Charges include Failure to Comply Release Order (Alcohol) and was issued two tickets for Driving While Disqualified and Open Liquor. Impaired Operation On December 18 at approximately 5:11 p.m., police received a report of a possible impaired driver travelling eastbound in the middle of Grand Valley Road. The vehicle was reported to be missing half of its front bumper. Officers were advised by 911 that the vehicle had been involved in a collision at Highway #1 and Grand Valley Road before leaving the scene. An additional call was received reporting that a vehicle had struck the south ditch near the Research Station on Grand Valley Road. Police arrived on scene and located the vehicle in the ditch with a 61-year-old male still behind the wheel. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. The vehicle was towed, and the male was arrested and charged with Impaired Operation. The male was brought to BPS detention cells and will attend court in the morning on December 19th, 2025. Arrest Warrant On December 18 at approximately 6:16 p.m., police were called to a disturbance in the 2800 block of Victoria Avenue involving a male yelling at customers in a drive-through. Police attended and located a highly intoxicated 34-year-old male who was found to have an endorsed warrant for arrest for Theft Under $5,000. The male was arrested on the strength of the warrant and transported to BPS detention cells. He will attend court in the morning on December 19th, 2025. Breach of the Peace In the past 24 hours two individuals were arrested for Breach of the Peace. Both individuals were held in BPS detention cells to be released once sober. Vehicle Fire On December 19th at 4:36 a.m. police responded with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services to a call of a vehicle fire. The fire is under investigation but believed to have been caused by the block heater. The vehicle was towed, and no parties were injured. Weapon, Drug, and Breach Charges On December 18 at approximately 6:42 p.m., police responded to an anonymous complaint of a female smashing windows at a motel on Middleton Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous individuals on scene; however, no one was cooperative or able to provide details regarding the damaged window. A highly intoxicated 20-year-old female at the location was arrested due to her level of intoxication. She was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a knife, contrary to the conditions of her Probation Order. The female was transported to BPS detention cells and will be released once sober on an Undertaking. A future court date of February 12, 2026, has been set. Charges include Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Failure to Comply with Probation.

The Manitoba government is donating $2.6 million from the sale of American liquor products to support community programs and initiatives across the province, including local holiday hamper donation programs, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Manitobans embraced this initiative with their typical generosity of spirit, and folks can feel good knowing their money helped to make this holiday season brighter for families who need it most,” said Kinew. “We know keeping American liquor off the shelves has impacted the fight against President Trump’s tariffs, but we’re glad to see this inventory used to generate a little holiday spirit rather than languish in a warehouse.” Of the $2.6 million, the Manitoba government will donate: $1 million to the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board to support the delivery of Christmas hampers and other donations to families over the holiday season; $500,000 will be donated to Harvest Manitoba to support distribution to local food banks; $500,000 will be donated to Brandon charities, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and its regional partner organizations; and the remaining funds will be donated to Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. to support their donation programs. This contribution reflects the Manitoba government’s commitment to re-investing revenue in ways that benefit residents and strengthen local communities. The funds will be directed toward programs that promote health, education and social well-being. The Manitoba government also confirmed it will continue to sell the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor products and expand sales beyond the select Liquor Marts in the initial round. Proceeds from the sale of U.S. products will continue to be donated to charity, the premier noted.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Nicholas DURACK FOR Assault Causing Bodily Harm / Robbery. DURACK, a 25-year-old male, is wanted in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred on December 9, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m. at a residence in Brandon. It is alleged that DURACK participated in an assault on a male, during which the victim was struck with a whisky bottle and robbed of personal items and clothing. DURACK has pending charges, including Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Robbery, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. CRIME OF THE WEEK for December 17, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a THEFT.  On December 11th, 2025, at approximately 2:14 p.m., the woman shown entered a store in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue and stole items. She was seen wearing a white cap, black sunglasses, black pants, black jacket and was carrying a Co-op bag and backpack. It’s the season of giving—not taking. This kind of “shopping” lands you firmly on the naughty list. If you have information on this woman, please contact Crime Stoppers. All tips remain anonymous.   ************** If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

Break and Enter to Commit Theft / Theft of Motor Vehicle / ++ Charges On December 16 at approximately 8:20 a.m., an employee from a business located in the 3200 block of Victoria Avenue reported a break and enter. During the overnight hours, a suspect smashed a window to gain entry into the business and stole a truck, two laptop computers, and various tools. A credit card was also stolen and subsequently used at three separate businesses. Video surveillance assisted police in identifying the suspect as a 42-year-old male. At approximately 12:17 p.m., police received a report that the stolen vehicle was fueling at a business in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue. Officers attended the location, where the vehicle and additional stolen property were recovered. The suspect was arrested at the scene and transported to the Brandon Police Service (BPS) detention unit. He was held in custody to appear in court on the morning of December 17, 2025. Charges include Break and Enter to Commit Theft, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Theft Over $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x2, Mischief Under $5000, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, and Drive while Disqualified. Assault with a Weapon On December 17 at approximately 3:08 a.m., police attended an apartment building in the 400 block of 10th Street following a report of a male yelling for help and stating, “I’ve been stabbed.” Upon arrival, officers located a 32-year-old male victim who reported he had been sleeping at the time of the incident. A 25-year-old female was also on scene and was observed to have blood on her clothing and shoes. She was arrested for Assault with a Weapon. The male was transported by ambulance to hospital. His injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and he was expected to be released shortly thereafter. The injuries included cut/stab wounds to his ribs and leg. The female was held in BPS detention cells to be released with a future court date via Undertaking once sober and assessed by the Crisis Response Unit (CRU).