Source: Brandon Police Service Media release On Friday morning, police attended a disturbance in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue where it was learned that one male had assaulted another male with a broken hockey stick.  The suspect, a 37-year-old Brandon male was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident.  He is charged with assault with a weapon, mischief and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.  He was held in custody for court in the morning.  The male was also charged with aggravated assault in relation to a separate event that occurred on November 16

The Manitoba government will recognize thousands of front-line workers who provide direct care and help protect vulnerable Manitobans at personal care homes and other critical settings with the new $35-million Caregiver Wage Support Program, Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today. “Every day, thousands of Manitoba workers make our province a better place by showing compassion, care and dedication as they support some of our most vulnerable citizens, such as seniors, people with disabilities, children in care and people at homeless shelters,” said Stefanson. “Their commitment has not wavered, despite the challenges and fears caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Caregiver Wage Support Program, our government is recognizing their ongoing commitment and the value of their critical work.” The Caregiver Wage Support Program will be available to more than 20,000 Manitobans currently working full-time or part-time on the front lines of the pandemic response. These include health-care aides, housekeeping staff, direct service workers and recreation workers. They provide direct care to vulnerable Manitobans at personal care homes or in disability services, child welfare services, homeless and family violence prevention shelters, or long-term care facilities. Eligible employees will receive an hourly $5 top-up to their wages, based on the number of hours worked between Nov. 1, 2020, and Jan. 10, 2021. Two intake periods will close on Dec. 14, 2020, and Jan. 18, 2021. The program benefit will be paid directly to workers by the province in the week after each intake period closes. To qualify, workers must earn a regular wage of $25 per hour or less. “This program recognizes the efforts of those who are serving on the front lines of our battle with COVID-19,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “They have exemplified true professionalism and courage while caring for Manitobans, and doing their best to protect us all from this virus.” The Manitoba government has partnered with the federal government in cost-sharing the program, which recognizes low-income and middle-income workers who have been integral in supporting the province’s pandemic response. The federal government is providing $17 million, while Manitoba is contributing $18 million. Additional information on the Caregiver Wage Support Program, including information on how workers can register, is online at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/programs/caregiver-wage-support.html. The Manitoba government is taking strong action to protect Manitobans and ensure timely access to care. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/. (Province of Manitoba News)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media release A 52 year-old female was stopped operating a vehicle in the 1200 block 9th Street on Wednesday night.  During the stop, the member located approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine and a set of nunchakus.  She was later released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on January 14th facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a prohibited weapon.

In a statement posted today on their Facebook page,  "The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Board of Directors have made the most difficult decision to suspend planning for the 2021 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair".  The entire statement can be read below.    

The Manitoba government is providing an update on ongoing enforcement efforts to protect Manitobans from the spread of COVID-19. In total, 79 warnings and 95 tickets were issued last week between Nov. 16 to 22, a significant increase from the week prior, when 54 warnings and 30 tickets were issued. This includes nine $5,000 tickets to business, and 55 $1,296 tickets to individuals. Three band bylaw tickets were also issued by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service. Last week, a specific fine of $298 was put in place for not wearing a mask in indoor public places, as required under current public health orders. Since that time, 28 tickets have been issued for the offence. A total of $126,082 in fines were issued last week, up from $49,992 the week prior. The province is also providing an update on enforcement related to a large demonstration held in Steinbach on Nov. 14. To date, 16 tickets have been sworn and more are expected to receive tickets as the investigation continues. One person who attended a subsequent event at the Legislative Building in Winnipeg on Nov. 21 was identified and served with a ticket for their participation in the earlier event. Enforcement officials are also investigating a large gathering for a church service in Steinbach that occurred over the weekend. One individual received a $1,296 ticket and more tickets for other participants are expected as the investigation continues. Since enforcement efforts began in April, a total of 388 warnings and 307 tickets have been issued, resulting in more than $390,000 in fines to businesses and individuals. Almost 3,300 personnel across various agencies are empowered to enforce public health orders to protect Manitobans continue. This includes RCMP, law enforcement agencies, provincial employees and municipal partners, such as the City of Winnipeg. The number of personnel who are trained and actively enforcing public health orders continues to grow. Updated enforcement statistics are now posted online weekly. For more information go to Cross-Departmental Reports at www.gov.mb.ca/openmb/infomb/departments.html. Additional information about public health enforcement is available at: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/protection/report.html. Current public health orders restrict gatherings and limit group sizes, set out the distance individuals are required to observe from another and require businesses to ensure their customers are able to maintain the required separation. In addition to the new $298 fine for not wearing a mask in indoor public places, fine amounts for violating public health orders have been set at $1,296 for tickets issued to individuals, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, and $5,000 for tickets issued to corporations. Manitobans can report compliance and enforcement issues by visiting www.manitoba.ca/COVID19 and completing the reporting form, or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) and pressing option three on the call menu. The Manitoba government is taking strong action to protect Manitobans and ensure timely access to care. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.