'Coldest night of the year' is an event which raises funds for the homeless, hungry and hurting in communities across Canada. 121 communities hosted events on Saturday February 24th, including Brandon. Brandon's event took place on the sidewalks of downtown on 2km, 5km and 10km routes. Routes were guided and directed by 65 volunteers and first aid responders. Cross country, over $4 million dollars has been raised this year. In Brandon, 106 people registered on 27 teams and raised over $25,000 for Samaritan House. Samaritan House provided 20,000 hampers in 2017 and over this past winter season has served 100 people in their 'Safe and Warm' overnight shelter. To learn more about Samaritan House and how they serve our community visit www.samaritanhouse.net. To learn more about this Canada-wide annual event and how you can get involved next year visit www.cnoy.org.

Brandon Police Service Media Release The Brandon Police Service would like staff of financial institutions and businesses to be aware that recently an individual successfully obtained a large amount of cash by using deception via a quick change money scam. The quick change scam typically involves a con artist who confuses a cashier by paying with a large denomination bill or numerous bills, and then changes their mind several times about how he/she wants the change returned to him or the denominations of currency returned. Recently a suspect attended a financial institution in the city of Brandon and presented several $100.00 bills to the cashier and then asked for the equivalent value in $50.00 bills.  The suspect confused the cashier and while the transaction was being completed took back several of the $100.00 bills and subsequently received more money than entitled. Suspect is described as:  male, 30-40 years old, 5’08” tall, heavy build, Caucasian, wearing a burgundy colored jacket, blue shirt, and black pants.  The suspect spoke with an accent. Police continue to investigate.

There is a tremendous amount of sadness and there is inconsolable grief around the death of Tina Fontaine. For all of us, Tina’s legacy should be that we think of her as our daughter and we act accordingly as we move forward together to resolve the issues that have plagued far too many young Indigenous Canadians. As a government, we will continue to pursue the goals of reconciliation and work alongside First Nations communities to build healthier communities, and a place where jobs and opportunities will flourish.  We will encourage and foster the ability of young Indigenous boys and girls, and men and women to pursue their goals in education and in the workplace. These real, positive partnerships are what we all need to pursue to prevent future tragedies.  Tina’s death should serve as a call to action for all of us.  In our sadness, we must be motivated to make a difference.

On Friday, February 16th, 2018, Brandon Police Service received a report that Ty Nelson BERARD, a resident of Brandon, had fled and his whereabouts were unknown. Ty is only 15 years of age. Ty was last seen when he was dropped off by a care provider in the 600 block 6th Street at approximately 2:00 PM on February 16th. The plan for him was to go visit a friend and then call for a ride at 10:00 PM. Since being dropped off, there has been no known contact with family members or care providers. Attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful and Police and care providers are very concerned for his well-being. Ty is a 15 year old male, with short, straight brown hair; brown eyes; 5’ 8” (173 cm); 90 pounds (41 kg); slender build; and a light/fair complexion. When last seen he was wearing a black Helly Hansen winter jacket, black sunglasses, black shoes, and was carrying a black backpack. Anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of Ty Nelson BERARD is asked to call Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 204-727-5477(TIPS), or their local RCMP Detachment. A recent picture of Ty is included with this release

Jon Gerrard – MLA River Heights and Manitoba Health Critic was in Brandon this evening hosting one of a series of public meetings to listen to Manitoban’s regarding their opinions of the health care system.  The meeting was attended by Westman residents, including Len Isleifson – MLA Brandon East. Gerrard presented a brief summary of the 2016-2017 health budget; which was set at $ 5,997 million, and went underspent by $115 million.  Expressing that a problem with this under spending was that funding fell short in critical areas such as mental health. The meeting then focused on open questions, concerns and discussion stemming from the following three questions:  What is working well? What is not working well? What needs investment to improve? There was broad concerns brought forward at the meeting.    A resident listed off the current and planned closures of 18 rural ambulance stations specifying the increased times that it would take a person in need of emergent care to be transported to centers that are open with professionals present. Another resident brought up that in urgent situations that it was not clear on which emergency room would be open between three, in opposite directions, when seeking care. Gerrard highlighted the viewpoint that in the concept of shared services within Regional Health Authorities that when funding for acute care and preventative are within the same sphere; that acute will always win. Residents highlighted the need for front-line staff needs, education, information and more face to face time with their health care providers. Gerrard offered that with a complex system like health care in Manitoba it is important to look at each of the pieces and the importance of being active in the areas of keeping people well.   He concluded the meeting with giving opportunity and making note of each attendee’s perspective on where primary focus should be directed in our provincial health care system.