The Manitoba government is bringing in a permanent 10 per cent cut to the provincial fuel tax, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Our government keeps our word. We said we’d cut the fuel tax and we did,” said Kinew. “We said it would last 12 months and it did. Now we’re going further by bringing in a permanent cut to the fuel tax to make it one of the lowest in Canada.” The cut to the fuel tax represents a 10 per cent reduction to the fuel tax rate that was in place previously, noted the premier. The 12.5 cent per litre fuel tax rate will be applied to gasoline and diesel across the province beginning on Jan. 1, 2025. The fuel tax holiday has helped slow inflation in Manitoba, the premier noted. Manitoba had the lowest gas prices in Canada throughout 2024.

In the first case, police responded to a stabbing report on Dec. 21, 2024, at 4:30 PM, where a male victim sustained a large arm injury and required hospitalization. A 19-year-old male suspect, arrested nearby, faces charges of Assault with a Weapon and Breach of Probation.   Hours earlier, at 1:00 PM, police were called to a residence where a 20-year-old male assaulted his girlfriend, threatened another with a knife, and fled. He was apprehended after returning at 6:00 PM and faces multiple charges, including Assault with a Weapon.

Manitoba government tax credits introduced in Budget 2024 and coming into effect in the new year will put more money into the pockets of Manitoba homeowners and renters, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “The previous government wanted to give breaks to out-of-province billionaires. We’re taking a different approach,” said Sala. “These new tax credits will provide help for all Manitobans, but particularly those who need it most.” Introduced in Budget 2024, the $1,500 Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit will benefit more than 80 per cent of Manitobans, the minister noted. The School Tax Rebate for farm properties is being maintained at 50 per cent as part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to support producers and their families, noted the minister. This new tax change will make it easier for young Manitobans to buy their first home and easier for homeowners to afford their mortgage payments, the minister added. Starting in the new year, the maximum Renter’s Tax Credit will be increased to $575, which marks the first step to the Manitoba government’s four-year commitment of fully restoring the Renter’s Tax Credit to $700.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that a complimentary and safe bus service will be available for New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Brandon Transit and its generous community sponsors. From 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) until 3 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day), Brandon Transit will provide FREE TRANSIT across all transit routes and Brandon Access Transit services. Manitoba Public Insurance proudly continues to support Brandon Transit by sponsoring the New Year’s Eve Transit program.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Kristian BRUCE FOR Possess Firearm & Careless use of Firearm  On June 20th, 2024, BRUCE attended a business located in the 1700 block of Middleton Avenue. BRUCE exited a vehicle with a loaded shotgun and shot at the window of the building.  BRUCE fled the area, however, was later arrested and charged by police. BRUCE was released, however has failed to attend court. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Kristian BRUCE as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. CRIME OF THE WEEK for DECEMBER 20th, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft & Misue of Credit Card.  On December18th, 2024, a Brandon citizen had his vehicle broken into and his credit cards were stolen. The suspects were observed on surveillance cameras entering a business in the 700 block of 10th and using the stolen credit card. ************** 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.