The Manitoba government will launch a legal challenge of the federal government’s decision to impose its carbon tax on Manitobans, Premier Brian Pallister confirmed today.  “Last year, our government received legal advice the federal government has the constitutional power to impose a carbon tax, but only on provinces that do not implement plans of their own,” said the premier.  “The result was our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, which is better for Manitoba’s economy, and better for our environment.” The premier confirmed that immediately after unveiling its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, and on multiple occasions after that, Manitoba sought the federal government’s assurance that it would not impose its tax on Manitobans. “Ottawa acknowledged that our plan is the best in Canada, but they would not provide the assurance we sought,” said the premier.  “They stated they would impose their higher – and rising – carbon tax on Manitobans.  They have now done this, despite granting special treatment and exemptions to other provinces. “This conduct by the federal government is unfair to Manitobans.  It threatens jobs and economic growth throughout Manitoba.  It makes it more expensive to feed our families and keep them warm during the winter.  It hurts northern Manitobans.  It hurts our agricultural industry and transportation sector,” he added. “There is no justification for the federal government to have rejected Manitoba’s plan while approving less effective plans from other provinces.” Source: Province of Manitoba Media Release

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On April 2, 2019, at 12:17pm, police responded to a report of a Break & Enter to a residence in the 400 block of 13th Street. According to the homeowner unknown person(s) entered his residence and took several items as well as a roommates car keys then stole the vehicle from the driveway. The vehicle was later recovered in the back lane in the 300 blk of 15th Street. Police continue to investigate

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On April 1, 2019, police obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 700’ block of 7th Street. Due to the nature of the incident the police services emergency response team was deployed to execute the warrant. Located inside the residence was an SKS style rifle. A 29 year old Brandon man was arrested for unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, possession contrary to a prohibition order x3. He was lodged for court on April 2, 2019. A 29 year old man from Rapid City was also charged for possession of a prohibited weapon as he was in possession of brass knuckles. He was also lodged at BCC for court on April 2, 2019.

Effective immediately, the Manitoba government has reduced ambulance fees to a maximum of $250.00 per ride. Fees have been reduced in stages over the years from an average of $500 in 2016 to $425 in 2017. The fee in 2018 was $340.00. "High ambulance fees affect many Manitobans, particularly older aduts and seniors living on low or fixed incomes." said Connie Newman, executive director, Manitoba Association of Senior Centre. "Reducing fees makes it more affordable for all Manitobans when they need emergency medical care." For additional information, please click here.

When you google the term “therapy dog” it states a therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas.  For Mark Saler (a Canadian Pacific railroad conductor) and his dog Grizzly they fully encompass that definition. BDNMB had an opportunity to speak with Mark about his amazing dog Grizzly whom is 4 years old. Mark how long have you been visiting hospitals in Brandon and Westman? We have been going to Brandon, Neepawa and Minnedosa hospitals once a month for 6 hours each time.  Grizzly and myself will visit children’s wards and and all the floors at the hospital. You two must be popular, how do you handle the requests? People request Grizzly sometimes 2 – 3 times a week and we honestly try to get to everyone but at times it just isn’t possible. On Facebook, I have noticed that Grizzly and yourself are working at Bell MTS Centre with the Winnipeg Jets and True North. How did this come about? The connection with the Jets and True North came about because of volunteering with cancer patients. In November they had a night called Hockey Fights Cancer and they were suggested to see and meet Grizzly and they loved it. I can’t say enough good things about the Winnipeg Jets as an organization. You must have so many special memories with what you both do. He is an amazing dog and can make people smile when going through tough times.  Without a doubt the children’s ward and the kids that light up when Grizzly walks in the room. Also, I had a cancer patient that passed away and this message at her funeral that always stays with me. Hailey would take Barb to her scheduled Chemo appointments. Hailey said that not once did Barb ever complain and she was always in a good mood on “chemo day”. She would say “I get to go visit with all my new friends”.  She looked forward to Cancer Care once she found Grizzly.