The Manitoba government is beginning the next step in establishing a hybrid system for the distribution and retail of legal cannabis by evaluating proposals from applicants seeking to operate retail locations, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “Our hybrid distribution and retail model includes safeguards and responsible measures that will help keep cannabis out of the hands of our youth and away from the black market,” said Pedersen.  “While the public sector has a very important role to play in providing oversight and ensuring the integrity of the system, there is also a significant role here for the private sector in operating all cannabis retail locations.” To meet the July 2018 timeline mandated by the federal government to permit the recreational use of cannabis, the province has introduced measures that would authorize and regulate the retail sale in Manitoba as soon as it is permitted under federal law, and allow both the public and private sectors to do what they each do best. A request for proposals (RFP) was launched on Nov. 7 and the province received significant interest with over 100 submissions.  It is anticipated that successful applicants will be notified by February and are expected to enter into retail agreements in the spring. “Provincial officials will be evaluating applications based on the established criteria in the RFP and an independent fairness monitor has been appointed to ensure the integrity of the process,” said Pedersen.  “We remain committed to establishing a highly competitive retail environment that creates new economic opportunities at the community level.” Retail locations are projected to begin operating in Manitoba as early as July 2, 2018. Previous announcements can be viewed at: ·        news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=42711&posted=2017-12-05. ·        news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=42491&posted=2017-11-07. ·        news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=41158&posted=2017-03-20.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 10:20 PM Tuesday evening, Officers attended to a residence in the 1200 block of 5th St for a male causing a disturbance in the home and refusing to leave. Upon arrival, the male had already fled the residence and was no longer in the area.  At approximately 10:30 PM, a male matching his description was seen in the 500 block of 10th St.  When officers checked the male, he initially provided a false name.  When his identity was confirmed it was determined that he is currently the subject of an outstanding warrant for breaching his recognizance order and failing to attend for fingerprints.  A search subject to arrest resulted in the location of a knife concealed in his chest pocket, which is another breach of his recognizance, as he is not to possess weapons.  The 22-year-old Rolling River male was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre, he will appear in court on these charges as well as public mischief, for providing the false name, later this morning.

The Matt Calvert Charity Shootout Golf Tournament will be held June 28, with proceeds going to Kidsport Westman.   Kidsport is a national charity that provides athletes, under the age of 18, with financial support toward organized sports they otherwise would not be able to participate in without assistance. Outperforme Athletics & Dynamic Physiotherapy has once again singed on as the title sponsor for a 2nd year in a row. Last year's event raised just over $50,000 for Palliative Care.  The funds are being used to purchase greatly needed recliners, cots, and couches in each of the patient rooms, as well as the family room.   These upgrades will assist patients and their families to spend time in a more comfortable environment while dealing with the challenges of a terminal illness. Additional details on this year event van be found on their official Facebook page.    

BDNMB.CA has received multiple reports of a fire on highway #10 just north of Brandon on your way to Forrest.  Police and fire remain on scene.  More details will be provided as they are released.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 4 AM this morning police were called to the 600 block of 9th St for a domestic disturbance.  Upon arrival both parties disclosed that they had been assaulted by the other.  The 54 year-old male indicated he had been hit in the head with a stool by the 42 year old female.  The female indicated that she was punched in the head by the male.  Both parties were arrested for assault, and later released for court dates in January 2018.