The Manitoba government introduced Bill 29 – the wildlife amendment act (safe hunting and shared management), which would create a safer and more ethical hunting environment for all Manitobans, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. “We have seen deaths, serious injuries and far too many close calls as a result of unsafe night hunting practices in Manitoba,” Squires said.  “We also know blinding an animal in the dead of the night for the purpose of an easy kill is neither safe nor sustainable.” Some practises of night hunting, particularly spotlighting – a practice that shines a bright light into an animal’s eyes to paralyze it – would be regulated under this bill, added Squires.  The bill would regulate night hunting to ensure the sustainability of Manitoba’s big game population. In addition to redefining night hunting, this bill would ensure that for the third year in a row the government would be increasing resources and providing better tools to the province’s conservation officers to keep Manitobans safe from dangerous and illegal hunting practices, the minister noted. The bill would take into account and respect the constitutionally protected right of Indigenous hunting at night, while balancing the priorities of public safety, ethical treatment of animals and conservation, Squires said, adding the proposed legislation was prepared after extensive consultations with Indigenous communities and representatives, various rural municipalities, agricultural producers, and wildlife groups and organizations representing hunters and outfitters. “Manitoba recognizes the constitutionally protected right of Indigenous hunting at night, which is why our government undertook an extensive consultation process with First Nations and Métis communities, Indigenous organizations, elders and non-Indigenous hunters, and their respective organizations to fully inform the development of this legislation,” said Squires.  “This bill carefully balances hunting rights while making public safety a top priority.” Safe hunting, land access and shared management were consistent themes raised throughout the consultation and engagement process with stakeholders.  The proposed legislation would allow Indigenous hunters to exercise their right to hunt at night in designated areas by obtaining a night hunting permit.  The creation of this no-cost night hunting permit would allow an Indigenous harvester to exercise the right to hunt, but focus the activity in areas where the risk to landowners or their property is minimized.  Night hunting would only be allowed if the hunt does not threaten the viability of the species being hunted. “Night hunting is a dangerous practice.  It’s not ethical and it’s not fair to the animal.  I welcome changes to make it safer and more respectful,” said Nancy Nepinak-Mckay, an elder from the Pine Creek First Nation. In addition, the legislation would allow the province to create shared management committees, bringing Indigenous communities, landowners, hunters and outfitters together to make recommendations for conservation and management of wildlife in areas of concern.  It also proposes a process to foster relationships and mutual understanding between Indigenous harvesters and private landowners to improve land access for Indigenous hunters to harvest on private land during the daylight. “Our government is working to advance reconciliation, by fostering mutually respectful relationships between the Crown and Indigenous peoples, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters as well as private landowners,” said Squires.  “But I want to be clear.  Our priority here is the safety of the Manitoba public.  I believe this bill strengthens that safety while respecting traditional rights.” It is imperative to move this proposed legislation forward during this current legislative session in order for it to take effect in time for the next hunting season, Squires noted. “I urge all parties to support this important bill, which provides a mechanism for all parties to work collaboratively to promote and protect the right to hunt for subsistence, and enables all parties to move forward together by developing processes and regulations to sustain quotas, and manage wildlife,” said Squires.  “This bill must balance rights of Indigenous peoples with wildlife management and sustainability.  However, of paramount importance is the safety of Manitobans.  I think we have achieved that balance.”

Brandon Police Service Media Release Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. This year’s campaign will run from May 15th to May 21st with a focus on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users most at risk. Enhanced enforcement efforts including Police Check-Stops will be active all week with specific emphasis on: -          Alcohol-Impaired driving -          Drug-Impaired driving -          Fatigue-Impaired driving -          Distracted driving -          Aggressive driving -          Occupant restraint use The Brandon Police Service is committed to road safety through education and enforcement efforts. Road safety is a shared responsibility that can save lives and reduce injuries on our streets. BPS encourages all road users to focus on safe driving practices during not only Canada Road Safety Week but also every day of the year.

Photos by: Liam Pattison Photography Brandon Fire & Emergency service initially responded to a grass fire approximately two miles west of Forrest.  After cleaning up the fire they noticed another grass fire on the west side of #10 in Forrest.  As they were battling that fire, it hopped HWY 10 to the east and caught a large shed on fire.  The fire was moving towards the elevator in Forrest and evacuations were being conducted.

The Manitoba government has lifted the annual liquor ban in provincial campgrounds this May long weekend, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. “We know Manitobans love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors whenever possible, so we want to make this change and allow adults the opportunity to responsibly enjoy their experience at our provincial parks,” Squires said. The province will ensure alcohol-free camping is available all season at a number of provincial campsites, Squires noted, with special family-friendly, liquor-free camping bays at Birds Hill and Grand Beach provincial parks. Most provincial campgrounds opened on May 11, but the May long weekend signals the start of the camping season for many people.  Following a number of incidents in provincial parks directly attributed to alcohol, the province implemented a liquor ban during the May long weekend in six of the busiest provincial campgrounds in 1995.  Due to the significant reduction in alcohol-related offences since this restriction was put in place, the department is lifting the long-standing May long weekend liquor ban in provincial campgrounds. Another important change for campers and tourists to be aware of this year is the confirmed presence of the emerald ash borer and the designation of Winnipeg as a federally regulated area.  This means firewood cannot be moved out of Winnipeg, and anyone caught transporting firewood could be fined/charged up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Boaters and watercraft users are reminded to do their part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.  Before leaving any body of water, take the proper steps to: clean and remove any visible aquatic plants, invasive species or mud from the watercraft, trailer and all water-related equipment; drain all water from the motor, bilge, bait bucket, and any compartments before leaving the shore; remove all drain plugs before transporting watercraft over land; dry all water-related equipment and any hard-to-drain compartments that have contacted the water with a dry towel or sponge before placing it into another water body; and dispose of all bait used in a control zone water body in the trash prior to leaving the shore. For more information on invasive species, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stopthespread.

Brandon University is exploring private developer options for an ambitious downtown development that could combine new student residences with seniors housing, a commercial component and academic spaces like a black box theatre. At a meeting on Saturday, May 12, the Brandon University Board of Governors unanimously approved a motion resolving that BU invite discussions with private developers and that feasible proposals be presented to the board by the end of the year. The university has brought together seven properties downtown into a parcel for possible development that is nearly 70,000 square feet, covering the entire vacant southern half of the block at Princess Avenue. The properties have been assembled thanks to agreements with the City of Brandon, Renaissance Brandon, Landmark Cinemas and private landowners. More information about the initiative is available online at BrandonU.ca/Downtown. Private developers or development agencies that are interested in the possibilities presented by this transformative project are invited to enter into discussions with Brandon University at Downtown@BrandonU.ca.