As part of the expansion of the national public alerting system, Alert Ready, compatible wireless devices on long-term evolution (LTE) networks in Manitoba will be able to receive emergency alert messages as of April 6, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, minister responsible for emergency measures, announced today. “The government of Manitoba has been preparing to expand the emergency public alerting system to the wireless world, enhancing the effectiveness to rapidly warn citizens of imminent or unfolding threats to life or safety,” said Schuler.  “Individuals in Manitoba with compatible wireless devices, such as cellphones and smartphones, will be able to receive emergency alerts if they are in the geographic broadcast area.” The alert will begin with a distinct sound and vibration, followed by an emergency alert banner display on the wireless device and a message outlining the nature of the alert.  Canada’s existing Alert Ready system warns the public of emergency or disaster events via radio, cable and satellite TV broadcasters and web feeds.  A public awareness test message that will go to compatible wireless devices scheduled to take place in Manitoba on May 9 at 1:55 p.m. during National Emergency Preparedness Week. Broadcasters and wireless service providers are only required to distribute ‘broadcast immediate’ threats to Canadians that have the highest level of severity, urgency and certainty.  The Alert Ready system is a partnership between federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Pelmorex Corporation (The Weather Network), the broadcast industry and now wireless service providers.  The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and Environment and Climate Change Canada are authorized alerting authorities in Manitoba and are capable of sending emergency alerts through this national system. “In Manitoba, drivers are not allowed to use hand-held electronic communication devices such as smartphones and cellphones while driving,” said Schuler.  “If you receive an emergency alert on a wireless device while operating a vehicle, it is important to remain calm and safely pull off the roadway at your earliest opportunity to view the alert.” For more information on public alerting in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/emo or www.alertready.ca.

Brandon Police Service Media Release On Monday morning, a male victim contacted Police and reported being robbed by a female whom he recently met on an Internet dating site. The female suspect and another female attended to the victim’s residence and stole a computer. The suspect later returned with three other people, one was a male wearing a mask. The masked man punched the victim in the face and threatened to stab the victim. The suspects then stole a television, jackets, cell phone and some jewelry. The victim did not require medical attention because of the assault. Police investigation continues.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 10:17am on Sunday morning, a female from a residence in the 1200 block of Rosser Avenue, stated that a male came to her residence assaulted her by grabbing her throat and threatened to end her life. The victim said the male was concealing a gun in his waistband and left in a vehicle. Police stopped the vehicle in the 1800 block of McTavish Avenue in a high-risk take-down. Police did not locate a gun but a large machete was found beside the male in the vehicle. A 42yr old Sydney, Mb was arrested for Assault, Threats, Carry Concealed Weapon and released to appear in Court on May 31st

Brandon Police Service Media Release Just past 11:00 AM yesterday morning a 33-year old female was located passed out in a business in the 400 Block of 10th Street.  Several syringes and a small quantity of methamphetamines were located on her.  She was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Center until sober and will appear in court on May 31, 2018 to be charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Brandon Police Service Media Release On Friday morning, a vehicle was stopped on 18th St North after the driver was observed using his cell phone while driving.  The two men in the vehicle were asked for identification and both provided passports from another country however neither could produce a valid visa.  Canada Border Services was contacted and both men had expired visas.  They were lodged at Brandon Correctional Center and will be dealt with by Canada Border Services with a hearing in the near future.