STATEMENT FROM GROWTH, ENTERPRISE AND TRADE MINISTER BLAINE PEDERSEN ON SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Small Business Week in Manitoba kicks off today to showcase the many great achievements of small and medium-sized businesses across the province. This week is an opportunity to honour Manitoba’s entrepreneurs – the diverse, creative and passionate individuals whose successes are a significant part of our economy and the many great things this wonderful province has to offer. Small business owners in Manitoba have told us they are optimistic about the future, with confidence levels reaching a new five-year high of 68.9 points, according to the July CFIB Business Barometer Index. We share your optimism.  Small businesses employ 77 per cent of the workforce and are the fastest-growing business sector in this province.  Manitoba is home to over 120,000 small businesses, and I applaud each person who has made the choice to meet the challenges of growing and sustaining an enterprise. As we work together to generate growth and development in our economy, on behalf of the Manitoba government, I would like to wish all small and medium-sized business owners, employees and their families the very best as we pursue the shared goal of a bright, prosperous future here in Manitoba.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 9:20 PM Saturday evening Police as well as Fire and Emergency Services staff attended to a garage fire in the 1400 block of 5th St. The fire was extinguished and members of the Office of the Fire Commission were called to assist in the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.  The incident is still under investigation.

According to Riley Day the process is simple.  The goal is to award one charity on October 17th $10,000.00.  The lucky winner will walk out that night with the money.  This group has no board members, no bank account, and zero costs. October 17th Location Benny’s Restaurant 6:30 pm registration 7:00 pm meeting and presentations start 8:00 pm winner takes home the money Riley and his brother Spencer, and several others, are working on getting 100 local men to each donate $100.00 to be handed out that evening to the eventual winner.  Each of the three charities will have a representative on-hand who will make a quick pitch as to why they believe they deserve the money, prior to the voting process.  The men in attendance then vote on who they believe would benefit most from the money. Three Charities 1 – MS Manitoba 2 – Big Brothers & Sisters 3 – Samaritan House Of note, you will get a tax-deductible donation receipt from the charity that wins.  Also, the master plan is to do this event twice or more a year. For info or to E Transfer your donation: riley@progressivesanitation.com

Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Media Release October 15th marks the start of the 16th annual Citizens on Patrol Week, Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today. “Citizens on Patrol members epitomize the spirit of volunteerism and community involvement,” said Cullen. “Each of these community-minded volunteers deserve special recognition for their commitment to this community-based crime prevention program. They work in partnership with local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.” More than 1,000 Manitobans volunteer their time to participate in the Citizens on Patrol program throughout Manitoba. In addition to providing funding for COPP ─ now in its 26th year ─ Manitoba Public Insurance offers coordination assistance in co-operation with the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and other municipal police services. “We applaud the efforts of these community minded volunteers along with the law enforcement agencies that support them,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Administration Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Over the past year, COPP volunteers have contributed nearly 15,000 patrol hours and more than 22,000 volunteer hours to the program. Their efforts continue to be instrumental in preventing crime in their communities and are an integral part of our efforts to keep our roadways safe by educating Manitobans about the dangers and consequences of illegal and high-risk driving behaviours.” In addition to patrolling their communities, COPP groups display speed-reader boards (provided by Manitoba Public Insurance), patrol at school crossing zones, identify suspected impaired drivers on the road and conduct seatbelt and cell phone use surveys in conjunction with the RCMP. COPP Week kicks off this weekend with a provincial conference in Winnipeg where program representatives from across Manitoba will meet to share successes and discuss how to continue providing value to the communities in which these volunteer groups operate. Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can visit the organization’s website or call the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.

As influenza viruses begin to circulate, public health officials are encouraging Manitobans to get their free vaccine, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today at the official launch of the 2017-18 influenza immunization campaign. “The flu vaccine provides protection against this serious illness,” said Goertzen.  “Getting the vaccine will not only protect you, but your friends and family.  I encourage Manitoba families to take the time to get immunized this fall.” Influenza, also known as the flu, can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.  In addition to getting immunized with a flu vaccine every fall, Manitobans can minimize the risk of getting or spreading seasonal flu by covering coughs and sneezes, and washing their hands regularly. “Last year, 150 Manitobans diagnosed with influenza were hospitalized and the virus contributed to the death of 12 Manitobans,” said Dr. Elise Weiss, acting chief provincial public health officer.  “This highlights just how important it is for all Manitobans six months of age and older to get immunized, preventing infection and protecting themselves and others.” The annual flu vaccine is available to all Manitobans, but is extremely important for people at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, along with their caregivers and close contacts.  This includes: seniors 65 years of age and older; residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities; children six to 59 months of age; individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, anemia, obesity, cardiac or pulmonary disorders; pregnant women; health-care workers and first responders; regular caregivers of children up to five years of age; and Indigenous people. Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine.  The vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. Both the flu and the Pneu-P-23 vaccine are offered at no charge for people aged 65 and older as well as to some people two years of age and older who are at increased risk of pneumococcal infection.  Most people need only one dose of this vaccine. As an alternative to the regular flu shot, some Manitobans may be eligible to receive the FluMist Quadrivalent vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.  In addition, Manitoba is the first province in Canada to introduce a high-dose flu vaccine to better protect vulnerable residents of personal care homes from influenza. To get a free flu vaccine and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine, visit local public health offices, nursing stations, doctor’s offices, pharmacy ACCESS Centres or the nearest immunization clinic.  Remember to contact providers first to check for flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine availability.  Local pharmacists can provide immunization services to people seven years of age and older. Regional health authorities will also soon begin immunization clinics.  Check the Manitoba influenza website or contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) outside of Winnipeg for dates, times and locations. The minister noted that while the vaccine benefits Manitobans by keeping them healthy, it also reduces strain on the health-care system. “People who get influenza may get seriously ill and have to see a doctor or even end up in hospital,” said Goertzen.  “When people stay healthy, it reduces pressure on the health-care system by keeping people out of emergency rooms and clinics.” For more information about the flu, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html.