The Manitoba government plans to add close to 400 new nursing education seats across the province and to launch a new initiative that will provide financial and process support for internationally educated nurses (IENs) looking to become licensed in Manitoba, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson, Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Wayne Ewasko, and Economic Development and Jobs Minister Ralph Eichler announced today. “Our government is committed to ensuring Manitoba has a strong nursing workforce now and into the future,” said Stefanson. “Increasing the number of nursing seats and supporting IENs’ pathway to licensing will accelerate the entry of students and internationally educated nurses into nursing professions, and will increase the number of nurses in Manitoba who can staff our hospitals and health-care clinics.” There are currently more than 800 nursing seats in Manitoba, offered at six publicly funded post-secondary institutions across the province. The province plans to create close to 400 new seats over the next few years, starting with intake as early as 2021-22. The government will work with post-secondary institutions to identify what steps are needed to ensure they can increase their seat capacity in a sustainable way. “We know that educating more nurses is key,” said Ewasko. “We look forward to working with our partners and welcoming more nurses into the professions in the years to come.” The ministers also noted the province is launching a separate initiative to help provide IENs already in Manitoba with financial assistance for assessment and training costs to support their goal of working in the nursing field. “There are many internationally educated nurses in Manitoba who may have faced challenges in getting a license to practice,” said Eichler. “These are people who live in Manitoba and work in Manitoba, and we need to support them by easing financial and other barriers to getting licensed in this province.” The Manitoba government will provide up to $23,000 per IEN to help cover a variety of costs that come with obtaining licensure in Manitoba. This includes funding for clinical competence assessments and bridge training, as well as other related expenses such as living allowance, transportation and child care. Supports will be tailored to each individual’s needs. The province plans to work with key partners and various community organizations to identify and guide IENs already in Manitoba through the appropriate steps. Those IENs who wish to begin the process of accessing financial support can do so through the new online portal. Through the portal, individuals will be asked to provide information on their education and experience to help them plan their steps to be licensed in Manitoba, as well as determine what financial supports may be available to complete these requirements. Internationally educated nurses who wish to apply for these supports can visit: https://forms.gov.mb.ca/iens-in-manitoba/. (Province of MB News Release)

The Manitoba government will allow free entry to provincial parks for a full week in mid-July instead of on the traditional Canada’s Parks Day weekend so visitors can take advantage of the parks and all they have to offer, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today. “We have been listening to how much Manitobans love their provincial parks and when the idea was raised by members of the public to expand the free access, we enthusiastically embraced it,” said Guillemard. “All Manitobans should have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and we are pleased to offer free park entry for a full week this summer.” Vehicle permits will not be required at any provincial park from July 12 to 18, but overnight camping fees will continue to apply. Manitoba’s provincial park entry fees are among the lowest in Canada, though this week-long offer is designed to ensure the cost is not a barrier to anyone. While being outdoors and active is important for physical and mental health, COVID-19 public health orders must be followed. For the most peaceful experience, Manitobans may wish to visit parks at non-peak hours such as on weekdays and during early weekend mornings. Information on COVID-19 restrictions at provincial parks is available at www.manitobaparks.com. Manitobans who want to camp are encouraged to visit the Parks Reservation Service online at www.manitobaparks.com to view the campsite vacancy report in order to find available sites and cancellations. Though some campgrounds fill up every weekend, plenty of campsites remain available on weekdays. The Parks Reservation Service can also be contacted at 1-888-482-2267. Park visitor centres and museums are currently closed under public health orders, though interpreters offer a range of guided experiences at several parks. Trail hikes, historic site tours and guided paddles are available throughout the week. Information on park events can be found at www.manitobaparks.com and under the events tab on the Manitoba Parks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks. Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial parks news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks. (Province of MB News Release)

Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) is excited to announce the first-year recipients of the newly created BACF/United Way of Brandon Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship. Amna Faroog, Vincent Massey High School, Natalie Williamson, École secondaire Neelin High School and Emma Wray, Vincent Massey High School have each been awarded a $500.00 scholarship. Through their hard work and determination, these three deserving recipients have proven to be students that BACF and the United Way of Brandon want to recognize and encourage to continue their educational and philanthropy efforts. This scholarship was established to assist high school graduates who have been involved in their school’s YIP program for a minimum of three years. Recipients must have an acceptable academic standing, demonstrate positive character traits, are active in school and community activities and have been accepted into a recognized post-secondary institution. Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, École secondaire Neelin High School, Elton Collegiate and Vincent Massey High School participate in the BACF YIP program. The YIP Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2020 by numerous contributors including the United Way of Brandon, Tri-High Alumni Fund, BACF fundholders and anonymous donors. “I’m thrilled that these three students are BACF’s first recipients of our new YIP scholarship,” states Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of BACF. “These students are very deserving. With the career paths they have chosen for their future, they are going to help make a difference in our world. I would also like to thank all the donors that made this scholarship fund possible. The intent is to grow this scholarship fund, increase student involvement in their school’s youth in philanthropy program and award more scholarships to deserving students.” The YIP program is a BACF program designed to introduce motivated youth to philanthropy and local community development.  This program gives the students hands-on experience working as a team and with local charitable organizations to help our communities thrive. Each September, schools form their YIP committees.  Each committee receives grant monies from BACF and the United Way of Brandon & District, to grant to charities in our community.  The students research non-profit organizations that meet the BACF granting criteria and learn more about them by interviewing the people who work there. Over the past 17 years, YIP students have awarded $167,000.00 in grants to numerous non-profit organizations throughout Brandon and the Westman area.  For more information on the 2021, YIP scholarship recipients visit www.bacf.ca

he Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is excited to announce that it has partnered with the J&G Group of Companies (via C&C Rentals & Recreation) to launch a fundraiser where the winner walks away with their very own Polaris Ranger Side by Side! The Polaris Ranger Lotto (LGCA 666-RF-35842) launches today, and tickets are available for $20.00 each. The grand prize for this fundraiser is a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Premium in Ghost White, valued at $21,199 and the runner up prize is a Husqvarna Automower 430X, valued at $3,200. “The Jacobson & Greiner Group (of which C&C Rentals is a member) believes in the preservation of important community institutions like the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and we are proud to play a small part in ensuring its survival.” Said Jordan Trotter, Executive Vice President of the J&G Group. There will only be 3,000 tickets available for this fundraiser and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is hoping to raise funds that will help produce events like Manitoba Ag Ex, which is scheduled for October 27th - 30th, 2021. The draw for the two units will take place at the Keystone Centre on October 30th, the final day of Manitoba Ag Ex at 12 noon. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with C&C Rentals and the J&G Group.” Said Kathy Cleaver, Vice President of The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, “Community support from our local businesses is integral to the Provincial Exhibition’s success over the years. This is especially timely with the cancellation of our fairs over the past 16 months. We look forward to selling tickets and anticipate a very successful partnership and campaign. Thank You C&C Rentals and the J&G Group!” If you are interested in seeing the units up close, they will be on display at C&C Rentals from now until Manitoba Ag Ex starts, then they will be on display during the event at the Keystone Centre. They will also be touring Brandon and popping up at other locations and events throughout the summer! Tickets are available at C&C Rentals & Recreation located at 2210 Park Ave. Brandon MB, at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba’s office in the Dome Building at 1200 13th street, Brandon MB, and through many of the Directors of the Provincial Exhibition. For more information on purchasing your tickets please call 204-726-3590 or email info@provincialex.com! (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release A 38 year old Brandon man was arrested on Saturday on a charge of Mischief to Property.  The man was involved in a fight with another man during which he struck two vehicles with a pipe, causing dents and a broken window.  He was released to appear in court in September