Manitoba Public Insurance News Release Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $42.3 million for the six months of its fiscal year ending August 31, 2017 – an increase of $69.2 million over the same time period last year. This includes net income from the Basic insurance line of business of $9.2 million in the first six months of the 2017/18 fiscal year. Total earned revenues for the first six months rose by $33.5 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by increases in motor vehicle premium revenue due to an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured and the value of these vehicles as well as the approved Basic insurance rate increase of 3.7 per cent effective March 1, 2017. “The overall financial picture was affected by a decrease of $63.6 million in total claims costs – including a $28.5 million decrease in bodily injury claims caused mainly due to increases in interest rates and a $40.7 million decrease in physical damage claims compared to the first six months of 2016,” said Peter Yien, Acting Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Historically, the first six months of the Corporation’s fiscal year generate positive financial results, which are then offset by an increase in claims costs during the winter months. As such, the financial results for the remainder of the fiscal year will continue to be closely monitored and the Corporation remains committed to achieving its corporate goals and serving the best interests of our customers.” In June, Manitoba Public Insurance applied to the Public Utilities Board for an overall increase of 2.7 per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2018/19 insurance year. The proposed rate increase is linked to three factors affecting claims and claims costs; an increase in comprehensive claims costs, ongoing volatility in the financial markets, and changes to the design, construction and technological advances in vehicles that affect vehicle repair costs. In addition to the 2.7 per cent overall rate increase, the Corporation is proposing changes to premiums charged under the Driver Safety Rating program to better align the premiums high-risk drivers pay to their actual claims costs. To protect vehicle owners from future unpredictable rate increases, the Corporation is also committed to continue working collaboratively with the Public Utilities Board to establish an adequately-sized rate stabilization reserve that can be used to absorb variations in revenues, claims costs and ongoing volatility in the financial markets. The Corporation is optimistic consensus on this important issue can be reached through the upcoming GRA process for the benefit of ratepayers and all Manitobans.

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.