In order to meet the July 2018 timeline mandated by the federal government to permit the recreational use of cannabis, the Manitoba government unveiled a hybrid retail and distribution model that allows both the public and private sectors to do what they each do best, Premier Brian Pallister announced today. This model will see the Liquor and Gaming Authority (LGA) given an expanded mandate to regulate the purchase, storage, distribution and retail of cannabis.  The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) will secure and track supply of cannabis sold in Manitoba, while the private sector will operate all retail locations. “Legalization of cannabis is a major shift in public policy and safety remains our top priority,” said Pallister.  “MBLL oversight of supply and distribution will ensure safety, and retail by the private sector will ensure competitiveness and accessibility which will help achieve our goal of getting gangs out of the cannabis business.” Private-sector retail supports the decision not to co-locate cannabis retail with the sale of alcohol, eliminates the need for immediate public investment in new storefronts and provides consumer choice through different retail experiences, the premier added. “This approach is designed to meet our objectives of eliminating the black market, keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and creating new opportunities in the marketplace,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen.  “The private sector’s role in encouraging competitive pricing supports these goals.  At the same time, provincial oversight will help maintain supply chain integrity and prevent the diversion of product.” Provincial regulation of wholesaling, distribution and retail will be through LGA, the minister noted, and a regulatory framework and licensing regime is in development. MBLL will be responsible for central administration, supply chain management and order processing.  The Crown corporation will oversee the wholesale and distribution of product including leveraging economies of scale through bulk purchasing to undercut black-market pricing and support a diverse retail sector. All cannabis sold in retail stores must be purchased from MBLL, which will source product from federally licensed producers.  Safe storage and shipment of product will be managed through either MBLL-owned and operated facilities and/or contracted third parties licensed through the LGA. “This is a step-by-step process,” said Pallister. The first step was introducing The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act to target drug-impaired driving and send a clear message that driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and unacceptable, he noted. On July 27, the Manitoba government issued an expression of interest to determine market place interest and capability to provide services for the production, distribution and retail of cannabis.  The 60 responses received indicated significant private-sector interest in participating in the emerging cannabis industry, the premier added. On Sept. 14, Manitoba Public Insurance launched a broad public awareness and education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of drug-impaired driving. “Today’s announcement is the fourth step,” said Pallister.  “The health and safety of all Manitobans continues to be paramount and there is still plenty of work to do.” The premier confirmed the province will be issuing a request for proposals from qualified applicants seeking the opportunity to operate one or more retail locations.  The deadline for submissions is Dec. 22, with initial locations to open July 2, 2018. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Zach Munn, a local real estate agent, has always had a deep passion for dogs.  Therefore, after hearing about how dogs were living on the Peguis First Nation he decided to reach out to local sponsors and build dog houses from scratch. About his initial plan Zack said  “I was kind of thinking about making 5 – 10 dog houses so I thought let’s see if I can get some financial help and the story went very well...so I thought well I can make more houses.”  “We had enough funds to make 18 houses” added Zack. "We put it out on Manitoba Fosters on Facebook and had a really good response from that page and some local people were very passionate about it” continued Zack about why he built the dog houses for the community of Peguis. Other than the money raised Zack said he also had help from Devon Leblanc and others.  “Tanner Kaspick, Jordan Ludwig from BBI, Evan Keller donated 10 heated dog dishes, Cal Taylor, Justin Watters, Brett Konkin, Tracy Adams, Sherwin Williams Brandon, Feed the Fur Babies Canada donated dog food and Trevor Horn, Josh McKay, Bryan Kauk and my Dad all offered their help and support." Going forward Zach Munn said that this was a huge project and will take some planning and looking at prior to doing this once again. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Brandon, MB – Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest and all members of Brandon City Council are extremely pleased to announce that longtime City of Brandon leader Rod Sage has been selected to helm the corporation as its newest City Manager. Effective today, Sage takes over the City Manager position and brings with him 30-plus years of staff experience within the City of Brandon. Sage has been serving in the Acting City Manager role since late-February of 2017 following the departure of former City Manager Scott Hildebrand, and has also held the role of City of Brandon General Manager of Operational Services since 2008. Sage has also held various progressive leadership roles within Brandon’s local government realm dating back to the early 2000’s. In making the official announcement today, Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest noted that Sage was City Council’s first choice from a nationwide pool of candidates. “I’m extremely pleased and proud to see someone who started out as a young seasonal staffer, holding a survey rod while working for our Engineering Department, advance and improve himself up through the ranks to finally land in the City Manager’s chair,” Chrest said. “With the assistance of national executive search firm Davies Park, Brandon City Council has conducted a very robust and open selection process and we all feel very confident that Rod will do a fabulous job leading our City’s unique collective of employees dedicated to serving and building our community.” In accepting the position, Sage said he is very committed to building trust within the very community he has served for more than three decades. “I’m a big believer that local government is the closest form of government to its citizens, and I want to build on that relationship with our residents, not only to achieve a better understanding in the community about what we do for them, but why we do it, as well,” Sage said. “It all boils down to trust, and I will be working hard to increase that level of trust, both within the corporation and externally with our citizens, for the benefit of the City of Brandon as a whole.” Sage added that among his initial priorities in the City Manager role will be to deliver a draft 2018 municipal budget later this year that is acceptable to City Council in the final year of its mandate, and to set an expectation of time management in the City Manager’s office to fit with his leadership philosophies. Upon official ratification at tonight’s regular Brandon City Council meeting, Sage’s contract will be in place for five years. As per the City of Brandon’s established Vacancy Management practice, Sage’s now-vacant General Manager of Operational Services position will be reviewed prior to a replacement search beginning. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

CAA Manitoba News Release Winnipeg, November 6, 2017 – As the temperature drops to -19 Celsius overnight tonight, Manitobans will find out very quickly if their vehicle and battery are ready for winter. “Tonight’s frozen temperatures might test your vehicle’s ability to turn over in the morning, especially if your battery is around three to five years old,” says Erika Miller, public and media relations specialist for CAA Manitoba. “In cold temperatures, it can take almost twice as much of your battery’s charge to start your engine. Now is the time to get your battery tested and winterize your vehicle, if you haven’t already.” Drivers are encouraged to give their car a good look over and follow four guidelines for a winter-worthy vehicle to cut down on potential issues. Four guidelines for a winter-worthy vehicle: 1. Ready your ride - Test your battery and block heater, install winter tires, and top up antifreeze and windshield wiper fluids with temperature-appropriate solutions. 2. Ensure you can see safely – The sun rises and sets earlier in winter, which means our daily commute is generally in the dark. Visit your local Approved Auto Repair Services location to check and replace any headlights, taillights, signal lights or hazard lights and remember to turn them on before you head out. If need be, install new wiper blades to help clear your windshield effectively in snowy, wet weather. 3. Prevent frozen locks – Thanks to keyless electronic entry, people may not need to use their physical locks until their doors won’t seem to open. Don’t get caught in the cold! Inject lock deicer lubricant in the locks on your doors and use a spray lubricant on trunk and hood seals to help safeguard against being stuck outside. Remember to reapply the de-icer after washing your vehicle or a particularly rainy or snowy day. 4. Be prepared with a roadside emergency kit – Ensure your kit has enough food and water for the number of passengers you’re travelling with, along with tools, weatherproof emergency flares, and blankets. Prepackaged emergency kits are available at any CAA store. CAA Manitoba reminds motorists that when weather changes, driving conditions can change quickly too. Black ice can develop on bridges and overpasses when winds pick up. Slowing down and driving to conditions, and keeping a safe stopping distance between cars can help prevent a costly collision.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At 9:40 pm a male entered a downtown retail business armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.  There was no demand for money or other merchandise. The business owner stated that the male, would be robber, shot a hole in the wall of the business and then immediately fled.  Police cordoned off the area, and a search was conducted with a Police canine.  No suspect was apprehended.  Police continue to investigate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});