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.

Brandon Police Service Media Release On October 3rd 2017, Police received a report that two individuals chased wild turkeys on Aberdeen Avenue and swung golf clubs at the turkeys with intent to injure. One of the turkeys was struck with a golf club and suffered an injury to its leg. A 16-year-old male youth and a 15-year-old male youth were identified as the suspects responsible and on Wednesday, both were arrested for Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Infliction of Suffering under the Animal Care Act. Both were released to attend Court in November. The injured turkey was captured by animal control officers and released outside of the city limits.

The Manitoba government launched a new plan to end the crisis in the child welfare system and create better outcomes for children, Premier Brian Pallister and Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today. “We know we can do better for our children,” said Pallister during a community event at Andrews Street Family Centre in the north end of Winnipeg.  “The number of children in care has nearly doubled in the past decade and Manitoba has among the highest rates in the country.  We made a promise in the 2016 Throne Speech and 2017 Budget to reform the system with a goal of fewer children in care, stronger partnerships with families and communities, better service co-ordination, and greater transparency and accountability across the system.” The Manitoba government committed to develop a comprehensive plan that acts on the many outstanding reports and recommendations from sources such as the Office of the Children’s Advocate, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Indigenous organizations, the premier noted. “Child and Family Services can’t change alone; we must work in collaboration with government, Indigenous and community partners as we all share the same goal for our children’s futures,” said Fielding.  “We want to keep children and youth safely within their family networks and home communities.  We must reduce the number of children coming into care by supporting families, communities and neighbourhoods and inviting them to be part of the solution.” Fielding noted there are four essential areas of reform, which will guide the province to: develop a community-based prevention model that involves demonstration sites, co-ordination of cross-departmental services and increased alignment of federally funded services on reserve; create lifelong connections for children through reunification and permanence, which includes improved emergency placement resources to shorten duration in care through early case planning and family reunification through a multi-disciplinary assessment team and availability of family group conferencing, as well as evidence-based permanency initiatives such as subsidized guardianship and modernized adoption; fund for results through initiatives such as block funding pilots to Child and Family Services agencies that fund based on outcomes, rather than provide incentives for larger caseloads and longer stays in care; and reform legislation, which includes the creation of a legislative review committee to modernize The Child and Family Services Act and support a shift in practice. “Sandy Bay Child and Family Services is excited about the block funding pilot project and the unprecedented flexibility to support families in a way that was not possible before,” said Richard De La Ronde, executive director, Sandy Bay Child and Family Services.  “This government’s child welfare reform takes into consideration the innovation happening within communities providing those services.” The minister said the province plans to complete a legislative review by the spring of 2018.  It would look at amendments to support various permanency options, such as customary care for Indigenous children based on the unique customs and traditions of each community, review The Authorities Act to determine options for improvement, and explore options to increase openness and transparency.  Fielding noted government departments must come together to provide more seamless access to supports for families to prevent the need for apprehension. Information on Child and Family Services reform will be available at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/index.html.

BRANDON – Brandon University is celebrating a golden anniversary all this year, marking 50 years since the transition from Brandon College to Brandon University. “When we were chartered as Brandon University, we took a significant and ambitious step in our continuing growth. It was a period of progress, with new buildings and new programs laying the foundations for today’s success,” said BU Interim President Dr. Steve Robinson. “This anniversary is an opportune moment for us to reflect on the accomplishments of the past 50 years, on the traditions of Brandon College, and on our opportunities and ambition as we embark on a new period of growth.” The celebrations kick off at this weekend’s expanded Homecoming, which will welcome back alumni from many years, particularly 1967’s final graduating class from Brandon College. In honour of the 50th anniversary, a permanent exhibit to celebrate important individuals and artifacts from the history of Brandon College will be officially opened on Saturday afternoon at Homecoming. The exhibit will feature portraits of 11 people who helped shape the development of Brandon College, as well as the Senior and Lady sticks and the World War I Nominal Roll. Over the next 12 months, the 50th anniversary will be commemorated at other events along the academic calendar, culminating at next year’s Homecoming and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first class to convocate from the newly-chartered Brandon University. Next year’s Homecoming will also include a reunion of Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams. To mark the anniversary, Brandon University has also unveiled a blue-and-gold logo that will be emblazoned across campus, will be celebrating connections that exist between today and the 1967–68 campus year, and will highlight 50 years of faculty, student, athletic and alumni accomplishment in a series of publications. “Brandon University makes a tremendous impact every single day. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni make essential contributions here on campus and to the vibrancy of our communities,” Robinson said. “This goes far beyond the hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact produced by BU every year. Research here advances and create new knowledge, creative and scholarly works both delight and inform us all, and our graduates enrich our culture and our communities as engaged citizens with meaningful careers.” The Brandon University Foundation has also launched 50th-anniversary fundraising drives for each of Brandon University’s five faculties and schools, as well as a Brandon College Heritage Fund, raise funds to celebrate and preserve the history of Brandon College. To find out more, visit BrandonU.ca/Give. “Just as we take the opportunity to look back this year, many of our alumni and donors also tell us that reflecting on the past inspires them for the future,” said Shawna English, Development Officer in BU’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “We are humbled when alumni share with us that their time at Brandon College or Brandon University prepared them for future success, and honoured to help them contribute to the success that awaits our current students.” Prior to its being chartered as Brandon University, students upon completion at Brandon College were awarded their degrees from other institutions, including McMaster University and the University of Manitoba. While Brandon College was founded in 1899, the history of higher education in the Brandon area can be traced back years earlier. In 1871, the signing of Treaty 2 permitted the settling of lands that were traditionally home to the Dakota, Anishanabek, Oji-Cree, Cree and Métis peoples. Baptist missionaries made education a priority, and a small college was founded in Rapid City. In 1890, the McKee Academy followed the railroad to Brandon. Brandon College absorbed McKee Academy in 1899 and began instruction that year. In 1900, the original Brandon College building was constructed, followed by Clark Hall as a women’s residence in 1906 and then a next-door Science Building. The institution weathered economic downturns and two world wars to thrive and prosper. Brandon University received its charter on June 5, 1967, on the occasion of the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and the Honourable Angus Ogilvie. The charter itself was dated to July 1, 1967, to mark the centennial. Brandon University shares this anniversary with a number of other Canadian universities. Significant new buildings were constructed at about the same time as the chartering, including the Education Building, the John R. Brodie Science Centre, McMaster Hall, the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, and the Jeff Umphrey Centre. “Becoming a chartered university brought with it the benefits of autonomy, allowing us to govern and award our own degrees and to nimbly respond to community needs through research and new programming,” Robinson said. “It was a time of tremendous change and growth for post-secondary education in Canada, and Brandon University is embracing similar change right now.” With significant new property acquired prominently downtown, and an ambitious new Campus Master Plan to guide development over the decades to come, Brandon University is poised to enter a new and exciting era of development and growth. Brandon University’s 50th anniversary will run from Homecoming 2017 through Homecoming 2018.