The province is taking action to shield Manitobans from an increase in the cost to their home-heating bills.  It will not apply the provincial sales tax (PST) to the federal government’s carbon tax, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. The federal government has made clear its intention to charge the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on top of the carbon tax, which would in effect tax Manitobans twice.  When combined with the impact of the federal carbon tax on home heating, this decision will cost the average Manitoba household $92 more in 2019, topping out at approximately $230 by the year 2022. “Ottawa is charging federal sales tax on top of its carbon tax, meaning Manitobans will be hit twice on their natural gas bills,” said Pallister.  “The added cost of charging GST on top of the federal carbon tax means Manitobans will have less disposable income at the end of the month.  Affordability matters and we are ensuring Manitobans will not be triple charged.” The premier confirmed Manitoba will implement an exemption to ensure the PST will not apply on the federal carbon tax.  The measure will save Manitoba families and businesses $3.6 million in 2019. “We are putting money back on the kitchen table for families, seniors and households across the province,” said Pallister. He noted Manitoba does not accept the federal government’s imposition of a higher, rising carbon tax, and will continue to move forward with implementing the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan without a carbon tax.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 4th, 2019 police located a 19 year old Brandon man after an ongoing investigation in which he used a stolen credit card in a number of business around Brandon to make purchases and obtain food and merchandise. The man was located and subsequently charged but due his level of intoxication at the time of arrest was lodged at BCC and will be released on a PTA to appear in Brandon Court on April 19th, 2019

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On February 26th, 2019 BPS members charged a 33 year old Brandon man after an ongoing investigation into a child abandonment complaint. The man had been asked by the children’s mother to babysit her 2 children for a short period of time but when the mother returned, the man had apparently left the residence leaving the children alone. As a result of this incident, the man was charged with Child Abandonment and will appear in Brandon Court on April 15th, 2019. On March 4th, 2019. The mother of the children a 37 year old Brandon woman was also charged for Child Abandonment stemming from the same incident. The woman was released on a PTA to appear in Brandon Court on April 15th, 2019

The Brandon Police Service is seeking any information into the whereabouts of a missing man. Rodney DUBNICK is 19 years old and was last seen by his family on December 1st, 2018. Rodney’s mother indicated that she usually stays in touch with her son through Facebook but she has not been able to make contact with Rodney lately. Rodney is described as being metis, about 5’2” in height with brown eyes, black hair and has a medium build. If anyone has information regarding Rodney’s whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345.

BRANDON—The Manitoba government is providing funding to the Keystone Centre to ensure it can continue to serve as Westman’s leading event destination, Premier Brian Pallister announced here today. “We made this commitment for the Keystone Centre to remain a valuable multi-use facility that brings quality of life to Westman and economic activity in the region for years to come,” said Pallister.  “Our investment will place the centre on a solid footing to develop a sustainability plan that addresses its long-term needs, while maintaining the services we all enjoy at this important public facility.” The premier confirmed the $2.9-million investment will retire all of the Keystone Centre’s current debt including its outstanding mortgage.  As a result, the centre will realize savings of more than $300,000 annually, allowing more funds to be redirected toward capital infrastructure projects, he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled to see the province’s very impactful contribution to the Keystone Centre,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon.  “Our partnership in this facility, spanning almost 50 years, is a tremendous example of positive collaboration and co-operation between our two levels of government and this is truly a big lift for one of Manitoba’s most prominent facilities.” Chrest noted that in its respective 2019 budget, Brandon city council has committed $875,000 in operating and capital contributions to the Keystone Centre, as well as an additional $140,000 in the form of a continued tax-offsetting grant for one of the Keystone Centre’s property tenants. The province is also endorsing recommendations from an external governance review done by MNP in 2016.  A new governance approach will clarify roles and responsibilities, and empower the board of directors to govern the Keystone Centre.  It will also reduce red tape and enable the centre to be more nimble, and advance opportunities for fiscal sustainability, the premier noted. “Today’s announcement is a recognition of the importance of the Keystone Centre to the province of Manitoba, both as an economic driver, and a recreation and agricultural hub,” said Matt Bolley, chair, board of directors, Keystone Centre.  “The debt relief being provided by the provincial government will assist in our efforts to retain the Keystone Centre’s status as a world-class venue, while ensuring that our facilities remain accessible for all members of the community.” The Keystone Centre is a multi-functional, community-focused facility, which hosts numerous sporting and entertainment events, fairs and agricultural exhibitions and conferences, and is a significant part of the City of Brandon and the surrounding area’s economy. “The Keystone Centre is a hub for agriculture and hosts major events that bring our industry together,” said Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler.  “We recognize the important economic and social contribution the centre makes to the agriculture industry in our province and this investment ensures it will remain a home for the agriculture industry.” The Keystone Centre is located on 90 acres in Brandon, offers 540,000 square feet of multi-use space and hosts more than 1,500 events annually.  These activities contribute to the social, recreational, cultural and agricultural fabric of the area, and is one of Westman’s largest economic catalysts, generating over $62 million in annual economic activity for the region.