(File Photo) The Manitoba government is launching a $1-million Security Enhancement Fund to support Manitoba communities facing acts of hate, targeted intimidation and vandalism by helping community organizations strengthen safety measures, improve preparedness and install security infrastructure to meets specific needs, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Hate has no place in Manitoba. Acts of hatred and intimidation do more than damage property, they threaten the sense of safety and security every person deserves,” said Kinew. “When people commit a hate crime, they’re committing a crime against all of us as Manitobans. Today we’re standing up and saying that everyone is welcome in Manitoba, and everyone deserves to feel safe.” Eligible organizations, including cultural groups and places of worship, will be able to apply for support for projects such as enhanced lighting, alarm systems, security cameras, controlled access systems, safety training and restoring property damaged in hate-motivated incidents. The fund will also support organizations in developing community-driven security plans. “Antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate are on the rise across Canada,” said Wiebe. “The announcement today is an important message to communities being targeted by hate crimes that Manitobans stand with them, and that there are ways that we can work together to make this province a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.” To ensure projects are evaluated fairly and benefit from specialized expertise, the Manitoba government will establish a security team chaired by Dave Dalal, a security professional and former member of the Winnipeg Police Service. The security team will review applications, conduct or oversee security assessments, and provide recommendations to ensure funding goes to measures that will have the greatest impact on community safety. “All Manitobans should be concerned about the serious security threats from rising hate and extremism. Governments at all levels also have a role to play, and their leadership is essential to ensure communities are protected without bearing this burden alone,” said Gustavo Zentner, vice-president, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Manitoba/Saskatchewan. “That's why we welcome Manitoba's investment today and stress that more must be done to confront the sources of hate. Decisive action is required to send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated.” The Manitoba government will work closely with affected communities as application details and timelines are finalized. Further information on eligibility and the application process will be released in the coming weeks Applicants can connect with the fund by email at SecurityEnhancementFund@gov.mb.ca

The Manitoba government is supporting a new crisis response unit in Brandon that provides mental health services on the scene of police crisis calls, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced here today. “This program is about meeting people where they are. Every Manitoban either has experienced, or knows someone who has experienced, a mental health crisis and wants people treated with care and compassion,” said Smith. “When someone needs support, this team can show up with understanding. I want to uplift and thank the Brandon Police Service and Prairie Mountain Health for providing services that support Manitobans.” Launched last fall, the Prairie Mountain Health-Brandon Police Service Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a joint initiative between the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH). The unit pairs a BPS officer with a mental health clinician from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate situations and provide clinical intervention, with coverage offered seven days a week. “This initiative prioritizes Brandon residents’ safety and well-being, and helps reduce risks to individuals in crisis, their families and the broader community,” said Wiebe. “The crisis response unit highlights the importance of collaboration between police services and community partners to enhance front-line responses and provide a wider range of supports that help redirect people away from police intervention.” The announcement comes as local officials highlight the importance of compassionate crisis intervention for families and residents. “Brandon families deserve to know that when someone is in crisis help will arrive with care, expertise and compassion,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Brandon’s crisis response unit is already proving its value and is an important addition to the community’s network of services. I’m grateful to everyone involved for their commitment to improving mental health responses in our community.” BPS and PMH have developed policies, safety protocols and a triaging system that includes pathways to engage community agencies. Two BPS constables are dedicated to the unit, which is also staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health calls. “The crisis response unit represents a critical step forward in how we respond to mental health crises, bringing police, health professionals and community partners together to deliver timely, trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion,” said Tyler Bates, chief, BPS. “This unit is already reducing unnecessary hospital transfers, supporting front-line officers and ensuring people in crisis are connected to the right help, strengthening community safety and well-being.” The unit will provide year-round coverage for mental health-related calls The Manitoba government is providing ongoing annual funding of $290,000 to Prairie Mountain Health to support a team including two full-time police officers and three full-time mental health clinicians, along with peer support workers from Peer Connections Manitoba. “The new PMH-BPS Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a significant step forward in how Brandon supports individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Chris Bromley, director of health services, mental health and addiction, PMH. “This unit builds on PMH’s existing crisis resources. PMH continues to operate its 24-hour Mobile Crisis Unit, and the Brandon area benefits from a strong Community Mobilization Westman program. Together, these teams create a more co-ordinated and comprehensive response system for people in crisis in our community.” The project supports the mandate of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and community organizations, Smith noted.

Traffic Stop Leads to Charges On January 14th at 10:29 a.m. a traffic stop in the 2700 block of Richmond Avenue resulted in three individuals receiving charges/tickets. Investigation led to locating 4.8 grams of cocaine, liquor containers, and drug paraphernalia. All individuals were arrested and held for processing. A 21-year-old male was held for court and received charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine) and Breach of Release Order (No contact). He will attend court January 15th, 2026. A 34-year-old female was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine) and later released with a future court date of March 12th, 2026. A 44-year-old male was given a ticket under the LGCCA. Released. Assault / Assault with a Weapon On January 14th at 5:40 p.m. police were informed a woman had been assaulted at a residential bay off Pacific Avenue. A 25-year-old male was arrested and later released via Undertaking with a court date of March 26th, 2026. Theft Under $5000 On January 14th at 5:40 p.m., while attending an unrelated call, police located a 20-year-old male who was wanted in relation to a previous theft from a store in the 3400 block of Victoria Avenue, involving merchandise valued at approximately $50. The male was arrested and later released on an Appearance Notice with a future court date.

The City of Brandon is inviting the public to provide feedback regarding the proposed 2026 municipal budget on Mon, Jan 26, 2026. Residents are invited to join Mayor & Council and City administration for coffee in the City Hall Foyer from 6 - 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, a Special Council Meeting will be held in Council Chambers, beginning at 7 p.m., where public comments and feedback can be presented to City Council regarding the proposed budget. Individuals interested in registering as speakers for the Special Council Meeting are asked to contact Legislative Services by Fri, Jan. 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. by calling 204-729-2296 or emailing cityclerk@brandon.ca. Registered speakers will be allotted up to 10 minutes to present their feedback. Earlier this week, Brandon City Council received two presentations regarding Labour and Brandon Police Service. The following will be discussed at the upcoming meetings: Thu, Jan. 15: Solid Waste Services, Street Sweeping, and Downtown Parking Strategy Mon, Jan. 19: Labour Update and Funding Applications Tue, Jan. 20: Fleet Services, Train Whistle Cessation, Rapid Relay Flashing Beacons, and Grant funded Projects Mon, Jan. 26: 10-year capital Plan including the City Hall Project, Library Arts Projects, Outdoor Aquatic Facility, and Downtown Public Washroom Official meeting agendas will be posted on brandon.ca/city-hall/agendas-and-minutes within 48 hours of each meeting. All members of the public are encouraged to follow these discussions and stay informed as Council works through major components of the 2026 proposed budget. All proposed budget documents are available online at brandon.ca/city-hall/budget-and-finance/budgets/2026-proposed-budget.  Brandon City Council will deliberate the 2026 proposed budget as prepared by City administration on Fri, Jan. 30 and Sat, Jan. 31.   Some of the 2026 proposed budget enhancements include: Diversion Depot Staffing Customer Service & Accessibility Improvements Asset Management & Infrastructure Maintenance Third-Party Snow Clearing Pilot Program Grader Operator Training Program Police Digital Evidence Management Unit Business Process Improvements Procurement Initiatives Recruitment and Retention Initiatives Some of the major 2026 proposed capital investments include: Water Treatment Facility Upgrade Southeast Drainage Project – Phase II including the Naturalized Stormwater Cemetery Pond Project Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project Purchase of Transit Buses Transit Stop Accessibility Upgrades Transportation Network Enhancements (new roundabouts at 18th St. N. & Braecrest Dr., and at 26th St. & Maryland Ave.) Active Transportation enhancements including crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian corridors. Upgrades to Andrews Field Changeroom/Washrooms Downtown Washroom Implementation of Police Body Cameras Tree Planting & Naturalization at Canada Packers Sports Complex Sportsplex Parking Lot Renewal City Council welcomes comments or feedback on the proposed 2026 budget, which can be sent via email to budget@brandon.ca.

The Manitoba government is freezing the price of milk for 2026, keeping the price of milk affordable in the province for consumers and ensuring producers receive fair compensation, Premier Wab Kinew and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today. “An everyday essential like milk should not cost a lot, especially when we consider how important it is to kids’ healthy development. We’re freezing the retail price of milk for 2026, so it stays within reach for families looking to make healthy choices,” said Kinew. “The previous government let the price of milk jump by 25 cents, but we’re taking action to keep Manitoba’s milk prices the lowest in Canada. It is good news for parents who find themselves restocking the fridge every week.” The Farm Products Marketing Council has the legal authority to set regulated milk prices in Manitoba, including the price producers can sell their product, the price of which wholesalers can distribute the product and the price of which retailers can sell to consumers. Its decisions are guided by a legislated responsibility to balance producer sustainability with consumer protection. “Manitoba’s dairy producers are the backbone of our local food system. They deliver high‑quality, safe milk every day, support good jobs in rural communities, and uphold some of the strongest animal‑care and sustainability standards in the country,” said Kostyshyn. “Their commitment to innovation and responsible farming helps keep milk affordable for families while ensuring a stable, reliable supply across our province. We’re proud to work alongside producers who reflect the best of Manitoba’s agricultural tradition and its future.” In 2022, the regulated price increased by a total of 25 cents, implemented through two separate orders from the government of Manitoba. This adjustment was larger than the combined increases over the previous decade. Last year, after reviewing updated cost data and market conditions, the council reduced the regulated price by one cent. This decrease demonstrates the council’s commitment to ongoing oversight and its mandate to ensure prices remain fair, transparent and responsive to changing economic pressures. “Our team of registered dietitians work with schools to ensure children and youth have access to a wide variety of nutritious food everyday,” said Clara Birnie, community dietitian and grants manager, Child Nutrition Council. “There are many barriers to accessing nutritious foods and cost is one of them. These types of initiatives, which regulate the price of staple foods, are a positive step towards helping Manitobans meet their nutritional needs.” Manitobans will continue to benefit from the province’s regulated pricing model, which ensures stability and affordability for a staple product found in households across the province. The Manitoba government is currently in the process of studying ways to further reduce grocery costs for families.