A new drug protocol will allow paramedics to administer Olanzapine to agitated people who have used methamphetamine and are at risk of suffering psychosis, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. “Paramedics have seen first-hand how a person’s behaviour can quickly change when they’re using meth,” said Friesen.  “By granting paramedics the ability to administer Olanzapine, we are giving them another tool to protect their patients, themselves and others.” The new drug protocol, approved by the provincial Emergency Medical Services and Patient Transport Medical Advisory Committee, will come into effect in early December. Olanzapine, an antipsychotic medication, is already used in a variety of clinical settings. The drug helps lessen or prevent the severity of symptoms, such as agitation, for meth users. “Paramedics are often first on scene,” said Helen Clark, chief operating officer of emergency response services and chief allied health for Shared Health. “Giving them the option to use Olanzapine allows paramedics to help reduce the patient’s agitation, their risk of psychosis, and the risk of harming themselves or others.” Manitoba is the first jurisdiction in Canada to sanction the use of Olanzapine by paramedics, who provide oral disintegrating tablets to consenting patients following consultation with a supervisor.  This practice is currently used in Australia. "With rising concern around methamphetamine use and its associated psychosis and aggression, we are facing a time where critical action is required,” said Dr. Ginette Poulin, medical director of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). “This enhanced protocol will be an important contribution to responding to the devastating effects of methamphetamine use and empower first responders safely support patients in distress." The decision to expand the use of Olanzapine was welcomed by the Paramedic Association of Manitoba, which represents all licensed pre-hospital practitioners in the province. “We are pleased to see that paramedics across the province will be able to administer Olanzapine in cases of known or suspected methamphetamine use,” said Brent Bekiaris, chair of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba. “These patients can quickly develop paranoia and exhibit violent behaviour even while being assessed, so additional treatment options are needed.” The use of Olanzapine is the latest in a growing number of initiatives announced by the Manitoba government to help combat rising levels of drug use. This includes the opening of five Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics throughout the province, which have seen nearly 400 people since the first location opened at the end of August. Additional mental health beds and women’s treatment beds have been opened at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg and the AFM centre in downtown Winnipeg, respectively. The government has also issued a request for proposals (RFP) from Manitoba-based residential treatment centres to treat people with co-existing mental health and addictions problems who would otherwise be sent out of province for care.

Brandon, MB – As it works to update and develop a 20-year vision for recreation and community facilities, the City of Brandon has launched an online survey in order to better understand how its residents use recreation facilities and what is important to them, now and into the future. The City of Brandon is currently updating its 2007 Brandon Recreation Facilities Master Plan in order to guide the provision of recreation facilities such as community centres, arenas, pools, sports fields, trails and courts, through the next 20 years and beyond. This Master Plan Update Project has been spurred by a number of factors, including Brandon’s steady and healthy population growth, which includes new residents from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as the reality that some of Brandon’s recreation infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life-cycle and must be updated to support changes in demographics, accessibility requirements, and newer recreation use trends. Working with HTFC Planning & Design and other professionals, City of Brandon administration are engaging with recreation facilities user groups and numerous other stakeholders to determine what is working well and what may require change. An online survey has also been launched seeking feedback on how recreation facilities are used and viewed in the community, and if these facilities need to change or be updated for future needs. All members of the community, whether they actively engage in recreational programming or not, are encouraged to take a few moments to complete the survey, which will remain available on the City of Brandon website until late-January. Paper copies of the survey are also available for community members via the City of Brandon’s Community Services Department, contact information for which can be found on the Recreation and Community Facilities Master Plan Project webpage. “Undeniably, Brandon’s recreation and community facilities contribute to the enjoyment and quality-of-life for residents and visitors alike, and the City of Brandon wants to ensure that future investments will serve the best interests of the community as a whole for years to come,” says City of Brandon Director of Community Services Perry Roque. “Once updated, our Recreation and Community Facilities Master Plan will be an important tool in forwarding the community’s vision for recreation, with policies that align with the vision, the City’s growth and provision of recreation facilities, and for guiding future investment for recreation. Specifically, we will use the plan to prioritize capital projects and, ultimately, create a municipal recreation philosophy for the City and the whole community to embrace and follow.” Roque notes that, in addition to the survey, the City of Brandon will be hosting a pair of community workshops early in 2019, at which all members of the public will be encouraged to attend and share their recreation and community facilities experiences. Following review of all input, it is anticipated the proposed Recreation and Community Facilities Master Plan Update will be presented to Brandon City Council for consideration next spring.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday morning at approximately 07:52am, Police were requested to attend to a residence in the 100 block of 22nd Street for a female who had been stabbed multiple times in the arms, legs and mid-section. Police learned several items including the victim’s vehicle were stolen at the same time. Police believed two male suspects were involved and may be armed with firearm. A male suspect was identified and Police learned he was at a residence on Cornwallis Crescent. Police were preparing a search warrant for the residence. At approximately 6:10pm, the suspect was observed leaving the residence on Cornwallis Crescent. Police conducted a high risk vehicle stop and the suspect was arrested. A 24yr old male was lodged at BCC to appear in Court on November 26th. The investigation has revealed the suspect arrested acted alone in committing these offences. Police have recovered the vehicle and other stolen items.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Monday morning at approximately 00:56am, Police conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle in the 800 block of Pacific Avenue. The male passenger, a 32yr old Brandon man, was arrested under the LGCA for unlawful transportation of liquor. Police observed crystal meth and a pill bottle beside the passenger. The pill bottle contained Hydromorphone. Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located more drugs in the center console of the vehicle. The male driver, a 28yr old Forrest, Mb man, was arrested under the CSDA. Police located 56 grams of Cocaine, 21 grams of Crystal Meth, 90 pills of Gabapentin and 10 pills of Hydromorphone. The male passenger was arrested for possession of crystal meth, cocaine, Gabapentin and Hydromorphone and released to appear in Court on January 10th 2019. The male driver was arrested for possession of crystal meth and cocaine and released to appear in Court on January 10th 2019

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release A 22 year old Brandon Male has been charged with numerous offences relating to ongoing investigations.  The male was located in a residence by police and arrested for an Assault with a weapon charge.  At the time of his arrest he was found to be concealing a knife contrary to a recognizance that he is on.  Additional charges of Theft Under $5000 were laid for an incident which occurred on November 22nd.  This male has been remanded into custody with the likelihood that additional charges will be laid in the coming days.