Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has filed its provisional General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting approval of a three per cent increase to overall rates for the 2025/26 insurance year. “MPI’s focus remains on providing stable and affordable rates for Manitobans even as we face increasing financial pressures,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are taking necessary steps to manage these impacts, including seeking the lowest possible rate increase to ensure financial stability while continuing to deliver value for our customers.” The proposed rate increase is necessary to address a steady and prolonged rise in the cost of claims as well as the cost of labour, raw materials and technology. This trend is persisting across MPI’s Basic, Extension and Special Risk Extension lines of business. The Corporation’s total insurance expense for the year was $1.7 billion, an increase of $334 million or approximately 24 per cent compared to the previous year. In addition, the August 2023 hailstorm in the Winnipeg area was the largest natural catastrophic event in MPI’s history. Over 15,000 hail-related claims were filed last year, which resulted in a negative $50 million impact to net income, created significant backlogs and increased the amount the Corporation had to pay out in claims. In the last year, the average cost per claim has risen by over $1,100. “MPI’s mission is to provide Manitobans with affordable rates,” said Jatana. “Despite the rising cost of claims, MPI, by virtue of its commitment to fiscal prudence, has maintained healthy reserves to help keep rates stable and affordable, while strengthening Manitoba’s public insurance system.” The PUB normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2025, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2026. “I am proud of the way MPI employees have come together to manage the challenges we have faced over the past year,” said Jatana. “We will continue our focus on fiscal prudence, stability and affordability while providing outstanding products and services for Manitobans.” MPI 2023/24 Financial Results The unique challenges MPI has faced over the past year are reflected in its annual financial results, also released today. The Corporation reported an overall net loss of $129.5 million in 2023/24, driven largely by the overall increase in incurred claims. Each of the Corporation’s individual lines of business experienced underlying performance impacts. More specifically: The Basic insurance line of business reported a Net loss of $80.2 million as compared to a Net income of $1.1 million in 2022/23. The total number of Autopac claims in 2023/24 rose by 40 per cent compared to the previous year. The Extension line of business reported Net income of $18.1 million as compared to a Net income of $33.3 million in 2022/23. Incurred claims in this line of business increased over 30 per cent last year, including a single loss event of $10 million. The Special Risk Extension (SRE) line of business reported a Net loss of $54.2 million as compared to a Net income of $16.6 million in 2022/23. Incurred claims rose nearly 54 per cent in this line of business. MPI has introduced changes to liability limits for SRE customers to reduce its exposure to large losses. The Drivers and Vehicles Act operations (DVA) line of business reported a Net loss of $13.2 million as compared to a Net loss of $10.4 million in 2022/23.   2023/24 Key MPI Numbers Average number of Autopac claims reported per working day – 1,184 Total Autopac claims reported – 274,585 Third party liability bodily injury and Personal Injury Protection Plan injury claims reported – 11,732 Property damage claims reported – 262,853 Average Number of Autopac policies in force – 1,278,461

Coras Breakfast and Lunch, a beloved Canadian restaurant chain renowned for its hearty breakfasts and wholesome lunches appears to be opening a location in Brandon. A peak at their web site indicates that the restaurant will be located at 1350 - 18th Street, Unit #D, the spot previously occupied by MonGO's Fresh, Fast Stir Fry. The popular chain was founded back in 1987 and presently operates three locations' in Winnipeg. The menu is best known for it's breakfast classics including omelettes, crepes, pancakes, skillets, waffles, and Ben et Dictine. With its reputation for delicious meals served in a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant will bring a fresh dining experience to residents and visitors alike.

Theft / Possession / Counterfeit Money On July 4th at 11:36AM a manager of an establishment in the 700 block of Rosser Avenue notified police a male attended and tried to utilize a counterfeit $100 bill. When he was denied, the male stole a table from the establishment. Police were in the area and were flagged down. Police located the male nearby. Upon a search of his person, the counterfeit $100 bill was found along with a small quantity of heroin. The 34-year-old male was arrested and later released with a court date of September 9th, 2024. Assault/ Theft/ Resisting Arrest On July 4th police received a report of a male stealing items at an establishment in the 100 block of Victoria Avenue East. He ran out the door but tripped. Manager of the establishment advised male to leave the items and walk away, instead the male shoved the manager. The 32-year-old male was located and arrested by police. The male was currently under charge for an additional assault. He was lodged for court on July 5th, 2024.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: July 5, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is WANTED BY POLICE: Andre THOMPSON FOR Assault by Choking & Uttering Threats.  On April 20, 2023, Andre Thompson assaulted a female by throwing her against the wall and then proceeded to choke her after he had thrown her to the ground. While choking the female, THOMSPSON uttered the threat that he was going to kill her. THOMPSON was arrested and released, however has failed to attend court. THOMPSON’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. CRIME OF THE WEEK for July 5, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a theft.  On July 4, 2024, two women’s mountain bicycles were locked to the bike rack out front of a business located in the 1500 block of 18th street. Two male suspects proceeded to cut the bicycle lock, steal the bikes and ride away. The bikes were described as a Teal Diamond Back and a Grey Gary Fisher. ***************** 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.  

McCain Foods (Canada) and Heritage Co-op will be hosting the 5th annual Free Fry Day Event in Brandon to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. The drive thru event takes place on Wednesday, July 10th at the Keystone Centre parking lot. To receive your free McCain Foods (Canada) product, stop by the Keystone Centre parking lot and help families with sick children by donating to RMHC Manitoba while you’re there! Brandon Keystone Centre #1 1175 18th St Wednesday July 10th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.