Individuals and businesses will benefit from taxation changes coming into effect in 2019, Finance Minister Scott Fielding said today. “We are putting money back on the kitchen table for families, seniors and households across the province,” said Fielding.  “Our government will continue to take action to reduce taxes and ensure Manitoba is a competitive and affordable place to live, work and raise a family.” Manitoba legislated the indexing of the basic personal amount and personal income tax brackets to the rate of inflation beginning in 2017.  This ends bracket creep for Manitoba taxpayers, ensuring individuals and families keep more of their income. The minister noted the basic personal amount will increase from $9,382 in the 2018 tax year to $9,626 in 2019.  Since 2016, the basic personal amount has increased by $492. In 2018, indexing removed an estimated 1,740 Manitobans from the tax rolls and saved residents more than $17.5 million annually.  In 2019, indexing will remove an additional 3,810 Manitobans from the tax rolls for an additional annual savings of $38 million. To support growth and investment in Manitoba’s economy, Budget 2018 increased the small business income limit eligible for the zero per cent small business rate from $450,000 to $500,000 in 2019. This will bring Manitoba in line with other provinces and the federal government on the income threshold. In addition, the new Child Care Centre Development Tax Credit is now in place. This refundable corporation income tax credit supports the creation of licensed childcare centres in workplaces. The Manitoba government is accepting applications from private corporations that intend to create new infant and preschool childcare spaces as part of a centre. A total benefit of $10,000 per new space created is available, claimable over five years. Fielding noted the province remains committed to rolling back the retail sales tax from eight per cent to seven per cent by 2020. “It will save families and businesses more than $300 million a year and improve Manitoba’s competitiveness,” said Fielding.  “In 2019, we will continue our work to fix the province's finances, repair services and rebuild our economy.” For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/budget2018/index.html. For more information about the Child Care Centre Development Tax Credit, visit www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childcare/resources/centre_dev_tax_credit.html.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 930 pm on December 26th, residents in the area of the 500 block of 12th St reported a man appeared to be looking in vehicles and was acting suspicious.  The man, a 25 year old with no fixed address, was located nearby by police and had in his possession a knife, a hammer and a flashlight.  He matched the description provide by the witnesses.  He was arrested for Trespass by Night, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Possession of break in instruments.  He was lodged to appear in court on Thursday morning.  A second caller reported his vehicle was broke into overnight and a knife and flashlight stolen.  These items were recovered from the accused and he was also charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Shortly before 3:00 Wednesday afternoon, fire and police crews responded to the intersection of 10th St and Victoria Ave for a two-vehicle crash. The crash involved a mini van and a small four-door car. The impact sent both vehicles off the roadway onto opposing sidewalks, with the mini van striking a traffic light and shearing it from it's base. Traffic was impacted while emergency and tow truck crews worked to clean up the scene. Thankfully nobody appeared injured during the collision. Photo Credit: Liam Pattison Photography

Before turning the page on this calendar year, bdnmb.ca wanted our readers to have one last look at the top ten most viewed articles on our web site in 2018.  The ten articles below combined for an astonishing 429,515 views to date. We also wanted to thank both our readers and our advertisers for supporting this site since it's inception.  Our readership and traffic have once again grown significantly in 2018 and you can expect to see the same in 2019.  We have some exciting things planned for the new year. 10. Brandon’s Freshii location days away from opening 9. Special Media Release Missing Youth Echo Tacan 8. Founding-family member to reopen Astoria Pizza and Pasta 7. Hockey team stranded in Shoal Lake, restaurant owner steps up 6. Complete 2018 food truck listing 5. Vehicle Crashes into Construction Site 4. New Dairy Queen Grill & Chill to open in Brandon 3. First ever Micheal Ferland Hockey School to be held in Brandon 2. CP Holiday Train rolling through Brandon with Terri Clark, Kelly Prescott & Sierra Noble 1. RCMP looking for assistance in locating two children Once again, thank-you.  

Source:  Brandon Police Service Medias Release At 9:30 last night a resident in the 700 block of 10th Street reported her vehicle stolen.  The vehicle had been left running with the keys in it.  At 11:50 pm, members of the RCMP followed the stolen vehicle into Brandon from the #1 Highway.  The vehicle was abandoned in the 3400 block of Rosser Avenue and the occupants fled on foot.  Police established a perimeter and with the assistance of a canine unit, one male was located and arrested.  A 24-year-old male from Brandon is charged with possession of property obtained by crime and will be appearing in court in the morning.