The Brandon University Board of Governors and the BU Faculty Association have each ratified a new four-year Collective Agreement. The renewed deal covers April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2027. It was approved by the BU Board of Governors on Wednesday. The BU Faculty Association held a multi-day ratification vote that concluded earlier today with 95% voting in favour of the deal. “I am pleased we have reached a deal that’s fair for everyone and that recognizes the hard work and value that members of the BU Faculty Association bring to the university every day, through their research, teaching, service, and student supports,” said BU President Dr. David Docherty. Faculty will see general wage increases of 2.5%, 2.75%, 3%, 3% across each of the years, with additional scale adjustments of 0.5% in each of the four years, a step adjustment and scale progression, including a new maximum step in year two, plus a general lump sum amount of $1,800 for full-time members and $900 for part-time members. “It was a long process, however both BU and our BU community gained a lot in this new Collective Agreement with language that represents our diversity at Brandon University,” said BUFA President Dr. Gautam Srivastava. “I am proud of both negotiating teams and their continued commitment to make our Institution a better place to learn.” Equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and reconciliation were predominant priorities in this round of negotiations and the new agreement introduces language that is both practical and aspirational that seeks to ensure members of equity-deserving groups have fair and equitable access to opportunities and recognition. The new agreement also includes language that more equitably supports both professional and professorial members, while articulating important principles around academic freedom and detailing processes of collegial governance. “In this transformative round of negotiations, the BUFA negotiating team relied heavily on the engagement of the membership for their expertise, consultation, and support,” said Dr. Lisa Robson, lead negotiator for BUFA. “This success is the result of a collective effort that resonates through the entire Collective Agreement.” Both sides noted that this round of negotiations presented unique challenges due to the restrictions previously imposed by the Public Services Sustainability Act. While a typical round of bargaining might see fewer than 10 articles up for debate, this one tackled more than 30. “In many ways, this is a wholly new agreement, because so much of it has been rewritten and renewed,” said BU lead negotiator Kristen Fisher. “While sometimes difficult, this was also rewarding work, and we are proud to embark on a fresh start here on campus.” The BU Faculty Association represents about 250 full and part-time members at Brandon University’s campuses in Brandon and Winnipeg, including teaching faculty, and instructional and professional members, including librarians, U Sports coaches, counsellors, recruiters and student advisors. “We are a smaller institution than some, and people on the bargaining teams also have demanding full-time jobs,” Dr. Docherty said. “I commend them for their dedication over the past months, and we all thank them for their success in reaching a deal at the table.” With ratification, the new Collective Agreement is now in force. Following final proofing and printing, it is expected to be officially signed sometime in May.

At 7:00 pm on March 28th police were called to the area of 9th Street and Pacific Av with regards to a male armed with a machete chasing someone.  Upon arrival police located two individuals, one of which was still in possession of the machete.  As a result a 24 year old female was arrested for Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and a 31 year old male was found to have an outstanding warrant for Uttering Threats.  The male was lodged to appear in court in the morning and the female was released with an appearance notice to appear in court on May 30th.

The Manitoba government will open the first minor injury and illness clinic in Brandon, as part of a $17-million Budget 2024 investment to open new clinics across the province, Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced here today. “When your child needs stitches or you have the flu, a crowded ER should not be your only option,” said Kinew. “Budget 2024 delivers on our commitment to offer more primary care options in neighbourhoods across the province, starting with this project in Brandon. The clinic will offer timely and convenient care for families and seniors, while reducing pressure on Brandon’s ER. Longer hours mean more options for busy parents so you can spend less time in the waiting room and more time on what matters most.” The Brandon clinic will be staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses who will provide primary health-care services and support for minor health-care concerns. Patients will be able to book same-day appointments and connect with health-care providers via virtual care. It will offer extended hours to fit families’ schedules, operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. An interim location will open in Brandon this September while Prairie Mountain Health identifies a permanent home. “Expanding primary care is key to improving health outcomes for Manitobans and reducing the pressure on our emergency services,” said Asagwara. “This clinic is a perfect example of the flexible, accessible care our government is investing in to help families. This clinic will support Brandon families who need more options when it comes to less serious health concerns. It’s one of a series of investments our government is making to reduce emergency room wait times and provide better care to patients, faster.” “This care model aims to reduce the number of people with less urgent care needs from waiting within the Brandon Regional Health Centre emergency department by providing timely access to primary care,” said Brian Schoonbaert, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “We are working with partners to attain the required space and continue collaborative efforts with our health-care professionals on a staffing plan so we can open the clinic as soon as possible.” “As with all the investments we are making, staffing is at the core of our government’s strategy,” Asagwara. We recognize and thank the nurses, doctors and allied health professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving others here in the Westman region.” It is estimated that the minor injury and illness clinic will see over 700 people every week once open, noted the minister.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Devon NOACK FOR Assault by Choking. On October 21st 2023, Devon NOACK assaulted a female at a residence in the City of Brandon. NOACK assaulted the female by kicking her to the ground and choking her. NOACK’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” 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.  

The City of Brandon is poised to realize substantial savings due to a significant Investment from Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) of nearly $43 Million. The city forecasts an annual savings of $1 million, independent of fluctuating interest rates, contributing to an overall estimated saving of $30.6 million. The City of Brandon has forged a partnership with Canada Infrastructure Bank, Infrastructure Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and our municipal counterpart, Red-Seine-Rat (RSR), focusing on essential water and wastewater infrastructure projects.  Key Developments: The Water Treatment Facility Upgrade and Expansion Project in Brandon will enable Manitoba’s second-largest city to provide potable water that meets and exceeds the standards set by provincial regulators. The Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project, which includes the Southwest Lift Station, will expand the coverage of the existing wastewater processing facility to meet the residential and commercial demand in this rapidly growing region of the City. The borrowing for the Southwest Lift Station will be ultimately funded by development charges, ensuring a sustainable financial model. The infrastructure investment will enable Brandon to accommodate up to 2,300 new housing units.  CIB’s partnership with Brandon will help provide long term rate stability for City utility ratepayers. “Not only will this investment modernize our water treatment facility and wastewater systems, but it will also lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in our communities for generations to come,” says Mayor Jeff Fawcett. CIB is committing a total of $140 million to support five municipalities with water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Manitoba. This partnership marks the inaugural commitments under the CIB’s Infrastructure for Housing Initiative.