On July 5th, 2024, Brandon Correctional Centre advised the BPS that a 37-year-old male and a 21-year-old male were seriously assaulted by a group of five Brandon Correctional Centre inmates. At the time, the pair were transported to Brandon hospital for treatment of serious injuries. They remained in hospital for a few days and were later released back to Brandon Correctional Centre. A lengthy investigation was conducted by BPS members.  On December 10th, 2024, a 24-year-old male was arrested at Brandon Correctional Centre and will have a bail hearing December 11th, 2024, for the Aggravated Assault of the 37-year-old victim and the Assault Causing Bodily Harm of the 21-year-old victim. Police currently have Arrest Warrants for the four other males who are involved and are actively seeking their apprehension. Two of the males (30, 25) are currently incarcerated in two other institutions within the province and the other two (44, 23) are not currently residing in the city of Brandon. All four are charged with Aggravated Assault and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Long term Wendy's Winter Hockey League team captain Travis Young attempted history but was one game short. The WWHL or Wendy's Winter Hockey League has been in Brandon for over 33 years and Travis played 99 games in a row attempting to hit he 100 game mark however the Iron Man Streak was  stopped. Photo credit - Scramble Studio Young informed BDNMB.CA today that it was highly unfortunate that I couldn't make the game but I was too sick and just couldn't make it to the rink. The streak resets tonight as the Eagles Nest Bullies host Source for Sports and Young is back on the ice to start a new record. Young owns The Eagles Nest Bar and Grill at the Brandon Rec Centre Golf Course.

Today, the Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA) generously donated 12 laptops to Career Connections Inc. in Brandon. The WCHA, based at the J&G Homes Arena in Brandon, provides private education and hockey development for middle-years students in grades 5-8. As part of their program, students receive laptops to support their education. Recognizing that these laptops still had plenty of life left, WCHA, in partnership with MyIT Source, decided to repurpose them for a meaningful cause by donating them to Career Connections. These laptops will help individuals living with disabilities develop their skills, explore opportunities, and work toward meaningful employment. Lesley Taggart, Lead Educator with the WCHA, was on hand to present the donation. Executive Director Joy Escalera expressed her gratitude, sharing that the laptops will give clients the opportunity to practice and enhance their computer skills. More information regarding Career Connections: https://cciwestman.ca/#

The Manitoba government will proclaim the long-bladed weapon control act, which regulates the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, on Dec. 31, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Manitoba was a leader in Canada when we were the first government to introduce this legislation just two months ago,” said Wiebe. “Enough is enough, the scourge of machete violence has no place in our province and needs to end. Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their community and our government is committed to getting tough on crime and making our streets safer. We’ll continue to take bold, decisive action to ensure no more Manitobans experience the horrors of machete violence.” Restrictions on the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, including machetes, knives and swords, will take effect on Dec. 31. The restrictions include: requiring retailers to securely store long-bladed weapons in a way that prevents the public from accessing them without assistance; prohibiting the retail sale of long-bladed weapons to minors under the age of 18 years old; requiring purchasers to provide photo identification; and requiring retailers to retain records including purchaser information and transaction details for a minimum of two years. The Manitoba government consulted with law enforcement, the retail sector and Indigenous leadership to develop a corresponding regulation that: proscribes additional materials that a blade may be made of including ceramic material, carbon fibre and fibreglass-reinforced plastic or nylon; exempts specific types of tools from the requirements of the act including hedge trimmers, pruning shears and any type of saw; exempts retailers where a majority of products sold are a range of kitchenware products from the requirements of the act; outlines the types of acceptable identification, modelled after what is accepted by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries; and provides direction related to sales and inventory records including protecting privacy by prohibiting the copying of photo identification. “Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and our nations commend the province of Manitoba for the continuing collaboration with our organization regarding the introduction of Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, which will restrict the sale of long-bladed weapons including machetes,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. “This has been a concern for many of our nations and will go a long way in addressing the violence that comes with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. This marks another concrete measure which MKO hopes will result in safer and healthier communities for our citizens in the north and for all Manitobans. While this is a positive step, we must not lose sight that there is still much work to be done. We look forward to continuing the work to collectively create positive change to support public safety in our First Nations.” “I am pleased to have worked with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak staff to provide insight and recommendations on the drafting of Manitoba’s Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, and its accompanying regulations,” said Chief Angela Levasseur, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. “This legislation must be part of a comprehensive strategy that empowers First Nations to directly address public safety on our own lands.” “The inner city really appreciates the government’s action on controlling machetes as they have no place on our streets,” said Sel Burrows, community activist. “I and other activists look forward to working with stores to ensure they understand the rules and regulations and working as a community to report any bad actors as we fight to end machete violence.” Manitoba Justice has also written to major online retailers asking them to comply with the intent of the legislation. More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/justice/long-bladedweaponcontrol.html. To view the regulation(s) as registered, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/annual/2024/128.php?lang=en.

The Manitoba government is increasing funding for two cheer boards in the province ahead of the holiday season, Premier Wab Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today. “This year, we’re investing in Christmas,” said Kinew. “Manitobans who need a little extra help around the holidays rely on the good work of cheer boards and we want to make sure everyone has a happy holiday this year.” The Manitoba government is providing the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg with $100,000 and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer with $25,000 for a total of $125,000 to help community-based organizations that deliver food and toys to families in need throughout the holidays. The Department of Families has also provided five staff to support the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg as it accepts a growing number of hamper registrations for Winnipeg families. “I know first-hand what it means for a family to receive a hamper delivery during this time of year,” said Fontaine. “We’re doing what we can to make sure that holiday cheer is available to more Manitoba families by supporting the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer.” The premier encouraged Manitobans attending the Holiday Open House tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Manitoba Legislative Building and join in sharing the holiday cheer by bringing non-perishable food items for Harvest Manitoba. The Manitoba government will also be accepting cheques, addressed to Manitoba charities, at a number of locations set up for mail pickup during the postal disruption. A full list of cheque drop-off locations can be found at www.manitoba.ca/postaldisruption/.