The Manitoba government wants to eliminate province wide restrictions on Sunday and holiday shopping, while allowing municipalities the authority to regulate retail businesses within their jurisdiction, Finance Minster Scott Fielding announced today. “Manitoba is currently the only western province that restricts retail businesses from operating on Sundays and holidays,” said Fielding.  “Many Manitobans support allowing businesses to set their own hours, and we want to give Manitobans more freedom and flexibility on when they buy groceries.” Fielding introduced The Retail Business Hours of Operation Act (Various Acts Amended or Repealed), which would no longer require retail businesses to close after 6 p.m. on Sundays and certain holidays.  This would also bring retailers more in line with certain businesses currently exempt from the act, such as pharmacies, liquor stores, casinos and restaurants. “We committed to these changes in our election platform and 100-Day Action Plan to level the playing field for our local retailers so they can better compete with businesses exempt from current rules and 24-7 online retailers,” said Fielding.  “It’s time to modernize our outdated and complicated shopping laws, and remove approximately 40 regulatory requirements to reduce red tape for businesses.” Under the proposed legislation, municipalities would have the authority to pass by-laws, should they prefer to keep some restrictions in place.  The province would work with municipalities to help develop bylaws if needed.  The province would also make changes to The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act, which would allow municipalities flexibility to regulate the hours liquor or cannabis is sold. The minister noted the current rules will remain in place until the legislation passes.  He noted the province will maintain status quo on Remembrance Day closures and retail workers’ provisions for Sundays. (Province of MB News Release)

Source:Brandon Police Service Media Release At 2 a.m. today, police took three males into custody at a licensed establishment in the 1000 block of 18th Street, after a fight took place on scene between intoxicated patrons. All three spent the night in custody at the Brandon Correctional Centre, for release later today once they are sober. A 23-year-old male from Minnedosa, and a 20-year-old male and 24 year old male from Crane River, each face a single charge of being disorderly in or about a licensed premise under the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act of Manitoba.

Brandon Transit is, once again, asking the community to show its generosity in support the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry during the 16th annual “Fill The Bus” campaign! This year, community members are encouraged to drop off donations of unwrapped toys or non-perishable food items, as well as any monetary contributions if preferred, at the Brandon Transit bus which will be set up in the parking lot at the below sponsored locations: Saturday, November 30th  – 10 a.m. at 5 p.m. at Sobeys West (Parking Lot) Saturday, December 7th – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Safeway Corral Centre (Parking Lot) Brandon Transit’s annual “Fill The Bus” Campaign is generously supported this year by Canada Safeway, Sobeys, Off The Wall Signs, and BellMedia outlets 96.1 BOB FM and Pure Country 101.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Thursday evening at the Provincial Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards, three of our members were honored for their work and dedication to policing. All three have received specialized training in various policing areas, and have worked in a variety of sections within our service over the years. They each bring their own unique expertise and experience to our service. Constable Myran Hamm began his service with Brandon Police Service in 2003, after transferring from the RCMP. Most people will easily recognized Cst. Hamm, as he is currently a driving force behind our social media and communications team. He has been a strong advocate for building and maintaining multiple community partnerships within Brandon in both his current position in Community Policing Unit, and as a former High School Resource Officer. He has an infectious sense of humor that allows him to truly connect with the community and capture the human side of policing. Constable Michel Latreille has been an officer with Brandon Police Service since 2006. Cst. Latreille has a keen interest in combating impaired driving and has become one of our leading experts in this area. He has trained tirelessly to ensure that other members at BPS are kept current on the ever-changing Impaired Driving Laws and the recent changes with the legalization of Cannabis. Cst. Latreille is one of our current Traffic Re-constructionists, which entails having an eye for detail during very complicated and often traumatic scene investigations. Constable Shawn Haggarty began his career with Brandon Police Service in 2010. Cst. Haggarty currently serves in our dog unit with his partner Storm. His tenacious appetite to ensure that no stone goes unturned has resulted in significant arrests, and seizures of illicit drugs, weapons and other property obtained by crime. Cst. Haggarty has generated significant crime suppression success by working extensively with other agencies throughout Manitoba. He has worked hard to ensure that his knowledge and experience have had maximum impact by training other BPS members

Brandon, MB – November 20, 2019 The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is pleased to present Gala of Gifts, running from Saturday, November 30th (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM) to Sunday, December 1st (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM). First held in 1988, Gala of Gifts has become a premier holiday shopping experience in Westman, providing visitors with live entertainment, warm apple cider, food, a raffle, holiday café, and a free festive workshop for children. The outstanding hand-made and original work of over 29 Manitoban artists, makers, crafters, and creators will be featured. There are several new artists including Moe’s Bowls with beautifully handcrafted woodwork featuring birdhouses, bowls and earrings and Heidi Curr with her handmade confectionery delights and dessert. Several artists will be returning such as Kate Froese who creates modern ceramics, Patti Robinson with her handwoven items and Lanney Badham with her hand-bound journals. The popular Chili Bowl Sale will be returning, which will take place on Saturday, November 30th (11:30 AM – 6:30 PM) and Sunday, December 1st (11:30 AM – 4:00 PM). For only $20 guests will receive a steaming bowl of hot chili and will get to keep the one of a kind handmade bowl. So come for the gifts and stay for the chili! The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is located at 710 Rosser Avenue. It can be accessed either from the Town Centre parkade, or from the first floor of the Town Centre Mall through the elevators near the library. Parking in the Town Centre parkade is FREE for Gala of Gifts visitors all weekend.