Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On May 7, 2021 at approx. 9:50 pm, police received a report of a B&E in progress at the Town Centre. The suspect removed an entire glass panel from an exterior door, then propped the doors open with garbage cans, before going up to the second level and kicking a window out. He then set up home, and was on scene when members arrived.  He was found to be under the influence of meth, and had a small quantity on him when arrested. He was held in custody until sober then released on an Undertaking to appear in court on July 8 charged with Break and Enter and Possession of Methamphetamine. A second subject was located near the Town Centre at the same time.  He was intoxicated and had no place to go and no one to look after him. He was lodged and released in the morning when sober.

Strict new public health orders to close restaurants, bars, patios, gyms, fitness centres, museums and day camps as well as restrict retail capacity will come into effect on Sunday to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on the health-care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced today. “Despite having some of the strictest public health restrictions and enforcement measures in the country, Manitoba’s COVID case numbers continue to rise, and this is concerning for all of us," said Pallister. "All Manitobans must continue to do their part to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community. We recognize the next few weeks will be challenging, but these additional measures are necessary to halt the spread of this deadly virus and protect Manitobans and our health care system.” The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Sunday, May 9 at 12:01 a.m. for a period of three weeks:•    outdoor gatherings in public places that include people from multiple households are limited to a maximum of five people;•   restaurants, bars and patios will close to in-person dining but can still provide take-out and delivery services;•    gyms and fitness centres will close;•    casinos remain closed and VLTs will close;•    museums, galleries and libraries will close;•    indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are prohibited;•    personal services such as estheticians, barbers, salons and tanning salons will close;•    indoor sports and recreation, including after-school activities, will close;•    outdoor sports and recreation activities will have a maximum of five participants and organized team games will not be permitted;•    dance, theatre and music schools will close;•    day camps will close;•    retail stores, markets and garden centres will be able to open at 10 per cent capacity, to a maximum of 100 people, and malls will be open to a maximum of 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity; and•    self-help gatherings will have a maximum of 10 participants. “Right now case numbers are far too high and the strain on our health system is rapidly increasing,” said Roussin. “I urge all Manitobans to do everything they can to reduce transmission of the virus - follow the orders, stay home as much as possible, reduce the number of contacts you have and wear masks when you are around others from outside your household.” Roussin noted the announcement earlier today about expanding vaccine eligibility to all adults who are 40 or older will help reduce the risk for Manitobans. “In May, the Vaccine Implementation Task Force expects to provide more than 300,000 doses of vaccine to Manitobans,” said Roussin. “Make an appointment as soon as you can, because the eligibility will continue to expand in the coming weeks to help protect more people as soon as possible.” Changes to the orders will be in effect until Sunday, May 30. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19. (Province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On May 7, 2021 at approximately 4:00 am, police conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of MacDonald Ave.  Police K-9 indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle.  Further investigation revealed the two occupants were in possession of 20 grams of Meth. The 27-year-old male occupant was to abide by conditions not to be in possession of any drugs.  He was arrested and later released to appear in court on July 8, 2021 on charges of Possess for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth, Proceeds of Crime, Fail to Comply with Undertaking, and Fail to Comply with Probation. The 26-year-old female occupant was arrested and later released to appear in court on July 8, 2021 on a charge of Possess for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth.

The Manitoba government is launching a new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program to provide direct financial assistance to help fill gaps between federal programming and current provincial employment standards for paid sick leave, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. “We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19 and the variants of concern, and it is crucial to stay home when sick to help limit the spread of this deadly virus,” said Pallister. “Many Manitobans are living paycheque to paycheque, and they need to feel confident that if they are sick, they can stay home without any financial repercussions or fear of lost wages.” The new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID-19 related sick leave, which do not have to be taken consecutively. Eligible sick leave related to COVID-19 includes testing, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms, or care for a loved one in any of the previously mentioned circumstances. Private-sector, non-profit and charitable employers with eligible employees are able to qualify to receive the assistance. Employers who currently provide paid sick leave to their employees would not be eligible including federal, provincial and local governments. Eligible employees are those who reside in Manitoba and work and receive wages in Manitoba on a full or part-time basis. The premier noted the eligibility period begins today, May 7 and runs until at least Sept. 25, to coincide with the federal and other provincial programs. More details, including an application will be available shortly at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/. (Province of MB News Release)

Due to the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 around the globe,Brandon Riverbank Inc. has made the difficult decision to not have an in-person Canada Day event on July 1. “The situation with COVID-19 and the associated restrictions currently make it impossible to plan any sort of large-scale event,” said James Montgomery, GM of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “We look forward to providing virtual celebrations once again, so please stay tuned to our social media channels and websites for up-to-date information. Canada Day is not cancelled, but we need to continue following public health advice until it is safe to have an event of this magnitude. Brandon Riverbank Inc. looks forward to once again being a gathering place for celebrations such as these when it’s safe to do so.”(Brandon Riverbank Inc News Release)