For the second time this year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) will be providing immediate financial relief to its policyholders, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. MPI customers will receive a total of $69 million, which is about $100 per policyholder. This is in addition to the previous rebate of $110 million in May of this year and the corporation’s recent request of an -8.8 per cent overall rate decrease in its General Rate Application to the Public Utilities Board (PUB). “As this pandemic progresses, Manitobans continue to be financially impacted by this crisis,” said Wharton. “This second rebate will assist Manitobans as we all work together in getting through this challenging time in our province.” Policyholders can expect a rebate cheque at the end of December or early January, said Wharton, adding it is estimated about 675,000 cheques will be issued. This second rebate was made possible by the combination of fewer collision claims, about 20 per cent lower from mid-March to the end of October compared to the previous year and MPI’s forecast of collision frequency remaining favorable into the spring. Rebates will be based on what policyholders paid during this period and is expected to be about six per cent of their annual Basic Autopac premium. “As a proud Manitoba corporation, we are pleased with what we can do to help during this unprecedented time,” said Satvir Jatana, acting CEO and president, Manitoba Public Insurance. “This rebate to our customers is combination of fewer claims and our continued focus on fiscal prudence. MPI continues to operate in a high efficient manner, aimed at delivering value to Manitobans. Our financial responsibility is reflected in our daily running of our operations and practices.” Jatana explained that this second rebate should not have an adverse effect on MPI’s financial outcomes moving forward and request for an overall -8.8 per cent rate decrease application to the PUB. If approved, customers will pay, on average, about $110 less in premium. The new rates will take effect April 1, 2021. Under existing legislation, this rebate requires the approval of the PUB. MPI will apply to the PUB in the coming days. Details of the second rebate will be made in the coming weeks and further details will be available at www.mpi.mb.ca/Pages/Home.aspx. (Manitoba Public Insurance  News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media release At approximately 2 am, police attended a robbery at a convenience store in the west-end.  The store employee reported that a male entered the store and threatened the employee with a bottle.  The suspect then opened the cigarette and money drawers and took an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes.  The suspect is described as wearing dark blue pants, a dark green coat, a dark blue hoodie, a facemask and gloves.  The suspect was not apprehended and the investigation is continuing.

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.