Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 1:00 PM on Tuesday, officers were alerted to a female who appeared to be sleeping in a vehicle in the 600 block of Percy St. The information provided was that she had been there for approx. 2 hours with the vehicle running. Members attended and found her passed out inside. It appeared that the 34 year old female may be under the influence of a drug, therefore she was arrested for being in care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired. A search incident to arrest resulted in the discovery of approx. 38 grams of individually packaged meth as well as scales. The accused has been released with a court date of September 10, charged with Possession of Meth for the Purpose of Trafficking. The investigation to determine what if any drug she was under the influence of is continuing. She could still be charged for being in care and control while impaired at a later date.

The Manitoba government is moving forward on its plan for an open and competitive cannabis retail market, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “We are pleased to open the market further by allowing more retailers to apply for retail licences,” said Wharton. “This move will enable local entrepreneurs to create jobs and support Manitoba’s economy, which is a critical step as we work toward rebuilding Manitoba in the wake of COVID-19.” Beginning June 1, the province is opening the cannabis retail application process to all prospective retailers. This includes the introduction of a new controlled-access licence for retailers. Manitoba will also continue to offer age-restricted licences for retailers wishing to open stand-alone stores. To become a retailer, applicants will be required to successfully complete the required application process, enter into a Cannabis Store Retailer Agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and be issued an applicable licence from the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. The minister noted that one location per applicant will be processed at a time and new entrants to the Manitoba market will be prioritized. There are currently 30 stores with age-restricted licences in Manitoba. Retailers in this next phase will be limited to owning no more than 15 per cent of stand-alone stores in Manitoba. This will be expanded as more stores enter the market. “COVID-19 has presented challenges for all Manitobans, including local businesses,” said Wharton. “In launching this third phase of our retail strategy, we are keeping our promise to build a competitive cannabis retail environment and supporting Manitoba’s economic recovery.” For more information or to apply, prospective retailers are encouraged to visit: www.mbllpartners.ca/cannabis-partners/become-cannabis-retailer. (Province of MB News Release-May 22)

Brandon's annual cancer fundraiser Relay for Life was to be held May 23rd, but given COVID-19 health crisis and remaining committed to physical distancing to protect the health of all Canadians, they are doing Relay at Home virtual this year. On June 13 (7-9 p.m. EST) participants can take part in Relay At Home – a nationwide online fundraising event with interactive activities, time to celebrate survivors and remember those they've loved. Funds raised through Relay At Home will help support essential programs that are even more in-demand during this stressful and uncertain time. Jeff Thompson is the Chair of the 2020 Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life! He is trying to “spread the word” on this year's Relay at Home to help support those that have been impacted by cancer. His favorite part about being involved with the organization is being able to work with great people striving towards a similar goal and having an impact on cancer.  He joined the Canadian Cancer Society to have an impact on people that are affected by cancer, including survivors, caregivers, and family members. Jeff’s brother Perry passed away in 2018 after 2 separate battles with cancer. Join Jeff and the rest of the Canadian Cancer society this year for Relay at Home to change lives, and to be bigger than cancer.  The Brandon-Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life's Facebook page can be found here. Sign up today at www.relayforlife.ca

Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East is welcoming the PC government’s announcement of increased grant support to community organizations and their community development projects as part of re-starting the provincial economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Once again, business leaders in Brandon have stepped up to the plate during a time of need and uncertainty,” said Isleifson. “While the current global pandemic has been the immediate concern of everyone, the actions of local governments, non-profit organizations and others show that we continue to move forward on building a better tomorrow.” Through the Building Sustainable Communities program, the Manitoba government is providing $10 million in grants to support 344 projects for community development projects province-wide. This includes a total of $257,235 for the following projects in the Brandon constituency: City of Brandon - $60,375 YMCA – $20,980 YWCA – $3,750 Brandon & Area Youth for Christ - $46,353 Royal Canadian Legion #3 - $74,758 Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation - $51,019 The Manitoba government is increasing this year’s investment in the Building Sustainable Communities program by 25 per cent. The program was developed to help provide a high quality of life for Manitobans by responding to neighbourhood, municipal and regional priorities. (submitted)

Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) today announced it will be provided $109,120 to support local charities responding to COVID-19 as part of a new partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, funded through the Government of Canada’s $350M Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). This vast national effort aims to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. BACF is among community foundations across Canada that are taking part.   “This is a vital step in the fight against COVID-19,” states Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of BACF.  “Local charities and non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to support those who need it most right now. This additional funding is a much-needed boost to their efforts. We’re looking forward working with our community partners, the Canadian Red Cross and the United Way of Brandon to flowing funds quickly to ensure no one in our community is left behind.” The Emergency Community Support Fund was initially announced on April 21, 2020 by the Prime Minister of Canada. It is part of a broad series of emergency response measures by the Government of Canada. “Canadian charities and not for profits are always there to help you, in your time of need. But the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing real challenges to these important organizations. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will be there for them so they can continue to be there for Canadians.” - The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Starting on May 19, BACF will begin accepting applications for funding from qualified donees. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to cover staffing or resource needs, purchase assistance and more. Funding will be issued on an ongoing basis through July 2020. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details. “At Community Foundations of Canada, our purpose to “relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs” has never felt more important than it does right now,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “We’re grateful for the leadership of local community foundations like the Brandon Area Community Foundation, who have been at the forefront of local response efforts since the pandemic was declared. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s contribution, our network will be able to unlock even more local impact for organizations serving vulnerable groups, helping us set the stage for more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.”