While on a trip in New Mexico with his wife Esther, Premier Brian Pallister suffered injuries while hiking in the Gila Wilderness, including numerous cuts and bruises and compound fractures in his left arm, resulting from a serious fall. He was hospitalized in Silver City overnight and would like to thank police and medical personnel for their quality care. He is returning to Manitoba today and will be re-evaluated to determine if surgery is necessary. The premier continues to work on preparations for the opening of a new session of the Manitoba Legislature and next week’s Speech from the Throne. He will be resting at home with his family this weekend.

The Manitoba government is recognizing 16 police officers for outstanding contributions to their communities and police services through the Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced today. “It is truly an honour to recognize these officers and their dedication to public safety in the communities where they live and work,” said Stefanson.  “We all benefit from their leadership, commitment and desire to make our province a better place.  They have all demonstrated excellence that goes above and beyond what’s expected in the line of duty, and have made a difference in the lives of countless Manitobans.” The awards were presented yesterday evening at the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Excellence in Policing Awards dinner.  This year’s recipients are: Cst. Michael Baranyk, Brandon Police Service; Sgt. Guylaine Berube, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP); Cpl. Timothy Clarke, RCMP; Cst. Ryan Corrin, Winnipeg Police Service (WPS); Cpl. Greg Fast, RCMP; Cst. Luanne Gibb, RCMP; Cst. Jonathan Goertzen, Morden Police Service; Cpl. James Helyer, RCMP; Cst. Darren Kerchak, RCMP; Cst. Saif Islam Khan, WPS; Cst. Arnold Klassen, Winkler Police Service; Sgt. Kent MacInnis, RCMP; Sgt. Steve McArthur, Dakota Ojibway Police Service; Cst. Daniel Noordman, WPS; Sgt. Edward Riglin, RCMP; and Sgt. Wesley Rommel, WPS. “The officers receiving awards have all gone above and beyond in their service to Manitobans, they truly represent exemplary policing,” said Scott Kolody, president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police.  “I congratulate the recipients for their hard work, their dedication and for their commitment to the communities they so proudly serve.” The Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards were established by the provincial government to recognize extraordinary efforts by police officers in Manitoba.  Award recipients are selected by a committee representing the Brandon Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice. More than 130 police officers have received this award to recognize their contributions to their communities, police service or the betterment of law enforcement in Manitoba.

Ride-sharing giant Uber has been cleared by the Province of Manitoba to start business in March of 2018. The question now is how can this effect citizens of Brandon and surrounding area?   We already have Skip the Dishes, and AIRBNB, so you would have to assume that Uber has Brandon on their radar. The actual ruling is the Province of Manitoba has enabled legislation that would allow the City of Winnipeg to consider Uber and perhaps Lyft (US competitor to Uber).   The current taxi industry was controlled and governed by the Province’s Taxi Board which they will be disbanding in the future. According to Mayor Chrest “So far Brandon has not had any overtures from any ride-sharing services but based on our current by-laws they could be considered under the same terms, conditions, and standards as other taxis.  Changes to our by-law are not currently before our Council and the changes in Provincial legislation I don’t believe impact our by-law.  Brandon has a significantly higher number of taxis per capita than does Winnipeg.  Brandon’s by-law focuses on safety and consistent rates with respect to the public and the industry alike". 4 Way Taxi refused to comment to BDNMB.CA, however, Brandon’s Barrie Roney whom currently works with Lady Gaga and other major musical acts has informed bdnmb.ca “once you use Uber you will never ride in a traditional taxi again...vehicle is cleaner, smells better, and much friendly drivers overall”. Winnipeg website chrisd.ca publish polls that show 65% of people polled were in favor of Uber. https://www.chrisd.ca/2017/10/25/uber-poll-nanos-research-winnipeg/#.Wg1EALQ-dVw If Uber comes to Brandon in 2018 or 2019 you can apply online to be a driver.  You will need a vehicle that is less than 7 years old and has a class 4 driver’s license.

The Brandon Police Service Crime Support Unit and Blue Hills RCMP conducted a joint forces Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation entitled “Project DEJURE”.  The partner agencies targeted individuals responsible for trafficking Cocaine in the Westman area.  Operations were launched in June, 2017 and recently concluded in November which resulted with a total of 10 individuals charged for drug trafficking and other related offenses.  Twenty-one Cocaine trafficking charges have been laid as well as Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of Proceeds of Crime charges.  All individuals charged reside in Brandon and the Westman area. To date, Police have arrested and charged the following seven individuals who have all since been released from custody with future court dates: Trent STOKES, 29 years, Trafficking cocaine x3, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking cocaine, Proceeds of Crime James NEPINAK, 26 years, Trafficking cocaine x3 Owen STEVENSON, 25 years, Trafficking cocaine Harley MALCOM, 25 years, Trafficking cocaine x2 Emma NANKIVELL, 34 years, Trafficking cocaine X2 Tyson SURMINSKY, 27 years, Trafficking cocaine Crystal LAROSE,  34 years, Trafficking cocaine Also arrested and lodged to appear before a Judicial Justice of the Peace was Nelson BERARD, 39 years for Trafficking cocaine X4. Warrants of arrest have been issued for the remaining two individuals: Chelsea BRAZEAU, 22 years Warrant of Arrest- Trafficking Cocaine                                    Parker MCDONALD, 22 years Warrant of Arrest – Trafficking Cocaine X2 If anyone has information on the whereabouts of these two individuals please contact the Brandon Police Servie. During the course of Project DEJURE, Police seized a total of 54.1 grams of Cocaine with an estimated street value of $5,400.  Those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities. Manitoba Law Enforcement Agencies remain fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

With new road condition cameras installed and a fleet of snow-clearing equipment prepared to move, Manitoba is prepared to rise to the annual challenge posed by winter to the province’s highways and roads, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today. “As every Manitoban knows, heading out on the highway in the winter poses some distinct challenges for motorists,” said Schuler.  “The addition of 25 road condition cameras throughout the province will help Manitobans see what conditions are like on many of the roads they’re planning to drive on before they put their keys in the ignition.” The additional cameras have been added to the Manitoba 511 system with images available on the Manitoba 511 website and mobile app, said Schuler. “A total of 33 camera locations around the province upload still images at regular intervals to provide a snapshot of current road conditions,” said Schuler.  “Winter driving in Manitoba can be challenging and change rapidly, so it’s a good idea to check the weather and road conditions before heading out.” The cameras are at strategic locations along provincial highways including: •    Trans-Canada Highway (PTH 1) at: - Oakville, Deacons Corner, Kirkella (being relocated), West Hawk, Hadashville, west of PTH 12, Austin, PR 332, Oak Lake and Brandon; •    PTH 2 at junction of PTH 2 and PR 83; •    PTH 5 at Ste. Rose south; •    PTH 6 at: - Williams River, Devils Lake, junction of PTH 6 and PR 236, St. Laurent, Fairford and Ponton, •    PTH 10 at: - Minnedosa, Souris River Valley, junction of PTH 10 and PTH 60, and Birch River; •    PTH 16 (Yellowhead Highway) at: - Shoal Lake, Russell – Assiniboine Valley West, and Arden; •    PTH 59/101 (North Perimeter Highway); and •    PTH 75 at: - Ste. Agathe, junction of PTH 14 and PTH 75 (Letellier), Morris (north side of town) and Emerson (at the border). “The cameras are strategically placed along roadways in the province to provide motorists and maintenance crews with a visual representation of road conditions,” said the minister.  “The number of cameras will be increased over time to bring more drivers another option to check road conditions.” In addition to the cameras, Manitoba Infrastructure operates a fleet of 205 plow trucks, 108 graders and 80 wheel loaders, with approximately 500 employees working together to clear 19,000 kilometres of provincial roads.  All provincial highways are inspected regularly during the winter to determine if action is needed and provide current information on road conditions for motorists. After a snowfall, the first priority is to clear the highway lanes to restore safe traffic flows as quickly as possible in the affected areas.  Removal of snow from areas adjacent to traffic lanes occurs during daylight hours once traffic flows are restored. As much as the province is doing to help ensure Manitoba’s highways and roads are safe to drive in the winter, there are still things motorists can do to help themselves.  For instance, Manitoba Public Insurance’s winter tire program helps Manitobans equip their vehicles with winter tires, with the ultimate goal being fewer winter collisions and safer roads.  But that’s just the start, said Schuler. “We all need to remember to slow down and drive to conditions.  It’s much less important that we get wherever we’re heading on time than it is to just get there,” he said.  “And sometimes, we need to realize that sometimes we’re better off staying home altogether when the weather is bad.” For information on road conditions or highway safety, visit www.manitoba511.ca, call 511 or follow the Twitter account for road closures at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.  A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download from the Manitoba residents’ portal at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.