Manitobans will see a minimum wage increase on Oct. 1 as a result of The Minimum Wage Indexation Act, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “Improving wages for working Manitobans is important to us,” said Pedersen.  “The Minimum Wage Indexation Act provides a consistent and predictable way of indexing minimum wage with inflation through a fully transparent formula.  It ensures Manitobans are able to take home more of their hard-earned money, while providing predictability for businesses that create jobs and generate growth in our economy.” Pedersen noted the increase of 15 cents per hour will raise the current minimum wage to $11.15 from $11.00 and ensure that Manitoba remains competitive with other provinces in its minimum wage. The Minimum Wage Indexation Act provides a consistent and predictable way of indexing Manitoba’s minimum wage based on the change in the previous calendar year’s Consumer Price Index.  Beginning in 2018, any adjustments to the minimum wage will be announced prior to April 1 to take effect on Oct. 1 of each year. “This legislation provides a balanced, common sense approach,” said Pedersen.  “It is in line with other provinces and reflects our government’s commitment to workers, their families and small businesses throughout Manitoba.” Information on the minimum wage and other employment standards is available at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Information Technology Department is pleased to unveil its first app for iPhone users, which has been designed to provide easy access to City of Brandon information with a few simple taps and swipes on your screen. The new app, My City, is now available for free download to iPhones via the Apple App Store by simply searching for “Brandon My City.” “We are very excited to have launched the ‘My City’ app, which was developed entirely in-house by our development team,” notes City of Brandon Director of Information Technology Todd Burton. “The focus of this first version is to provide a central one-stop shop that leverages the City of Brandon’s current mobile-friendly services and online information.” The initial version of the “My City” app allows users to: •             View upcoming community events •             Access City of Brandon public notices •             Use the City’s “My Community” portal to view and register for various rec programs, courses & facility bookings •             Launch Google Transit to plan a trip with Brandon Transit •             Access the City of Brandon’s YouTube channel •             View Brandon City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes •             Seek Brandon Municipal Airport information •             Launch the City of Brandon’s website Burton notes that in addition to the above functions, the most important feature of this initial version of “My City” is the inclusion of a feedback form within the app where users can provide feedback on what they would like to see in future versions. “Future features and functions of the app will be driven by the feedback we receive through the app itself, as well as usage statistics on the initial features, and as ‘My City’ is enhanced, we’ll also be looking at making it available on popular Android devices,” concludes Burton.

Twenty-two new primary care physicians have been recruited and are starting to work in communities across the Prairie Mountain Health region, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Prairie Mountain Health has been working to recruit physicians to communities across the region and their hard work is paying off,” said Goertzen.  “This accomplishment will certainly benefit residents of western Manitoba and help ensure consistent, reliable care for families.” Primary care refers to that early contact with the health-care system when patients and their families receive a diagnosis, treatment or help with a new health problem or chronic condition.  Services can also include speaking with a health-care provider about staying healthy and preventing illness. “We have remained relentless in our efforts to continue to recruit physicians to the region and those efforts have paid off this year,” said Penny Gilson, chief executive officer, Prairie Mountain Health.  “We want to acknowledge this is a collective effort and thank the health department, the Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network, the University of Manitoba, the International Medical Graduate training program, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and physicians who provide mentorship and support to new recruits, and to the communities who are key partners in ongoing recruitment and retention efforts.” Continuing recruitment efforts by the region have brought six physicians to Swan River, two to Deloraine, two to Brandon, two to Dauphin, one to Grandview and one to Neepawa.  In addition, eight international medical graduates will be practising in Killarney, Roblin, Shoal Lake, Winnipegosis, Virden, Minnedosa, Souris and Glenboro. “My decision to practice in Neepawa was based on the broad scope of practice available in the area - acute care, office care, obstetrical care, and geriatric health,” said Dr. Kristen Wareham, a new physician practicing in Neepawa.  “This is all supported by the town and surrounding communities and a well-established, experienced and supportive physician group, and I look forward to beginning my career here.” The region has also successfully recruited several specialists in the areas of cardiology, radiology, psychiatry, orthopedics, pediatrics and geriatrics over the course of the past 12 months.  A general surgeon has recently started practising in Dauphin, with another scheduled to begin full-time practice in Brandon. “The region is continuing to work with communities to promote rural living and with stakeholders such as the University of Manitoba and the Office of Rural and Northern Health to promote careers in rural health care,” said Goertzen.  “This combination of efforts helps connect physicians with rural communities where they will stay to build their careers and provide quality care to area residents.” The minister noted that ongoing physician recruitment and retention efforts will be a key priority of clinical service planning that will be undertaken by Shared Health Services Manitoba.  This work will support consistent and reliable health-care services, effective health human resource planning, capital equipment investments, construction planning and other initiatives that should be co-ordinated provincewide. For more information on primary care in Manitoba, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/primarycare/public/index.html.

Local real estate agent Zach Munn has decided to build insulated dog houses for families/charities in need (non profit). Munn has become all too aware that many dogs suffer, and even die, due to inadequate shelter during extreme MB weather. Currently Zach Munn has been asked to build 11 dog houses and some cat houses. He is seeking assistance from anyone in the construction field who could donate plywood sheets, fir or cedar board, 2x4 or 2x2 studs, shingles, or insulation board that they don't need and could donate after a job. Zack said he would pick up any donated materials. These units will cost $75-$100, plus the heated water bowls are $35.  If anyone can help with costs and/or sponsor a dog house, or help with materials please contact Zach via his email address. Precision Toyota and others have already stepped up in assistance.

BRANDON, Man. – A significant milestone will be recognized at Brandon University’s (BU’s) expanded 2017 Homecoming celebration, which takes place from Oct. 12–15. Among those who will be recognized at the Homecoming Dinner and Awards on Saturday, Oct. 14 will be the Class of 1967, the final class to graduate from Brandon College before the institution was chartered as a degree-granting university for the 1967–68 academic year. Graduates from Brandon College were awarded degrees through other universities, including McMaster University and the University of Manitoba. “We have a proud history of providing quality education, research and scholarship that dates back to 1899 and the founding of Brandon College. When we were officially chartered to start the 1967–68 academic year, we embarked on a new generation of ambitious growth,” said Interim BU President Dr. Steve Robinson. “Now, 50 years later, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend the year celebrating both our roots as Brandon College and our continued growth and autonomy as Brandon University. There is no one better to celebrate this history with than our proud alumni as we recognize Brandon College’s final graduating class at this year’s Homecoming and look forward to next year’s Homecoming, when we will commemorate the 50-year anniversary of BU’s first graduating class.” Gary and Angela Brawn were both members of Brandon College’s Class of 1967. Reuniting with old friends at Homecoming is a highlight for them each year, and this year’s event will hold extra significance. “There are not too many days from over fifty years ago that remain clear in memory, but my first day in Brandon College was certainly one,” said Gary Brawn. “As our class assembled for registration in mid- September, 1964, it was obvious we all shared a nervous sense of anticipation of what the next three years (or more) would bring. My choice of this institution was in part practical as I was a Brandon boy, but I knew from my inquiries I could reasonably expect a liberal arts experience with opportunity for making connection with students of like interest from far and wide, and a close association with professors who placed a strong emphasis on teaching. When I graduated three years later, I felt I had received more than I could have hoped for.”   “There is special bond that you form with schoolmates, who are on a journey of discovery and learning with you, and I never tire of seeing how many incredible and amazing accomplishments our friends have achieved,” said Angela Brawn. “We all started from the same place, and what a testament to this place, to Brandon College and Brandon University, that we have ended up with such a broad variety of success under our belts. Homecoming is a treasured weekend to rediscover and renew these old friendships, and to share stories and memories.” Several other class reunions will also be held at Homecoming Weekend, ranging from the 30th anniversary of the Class of 1987, back to the 65th reunion of the Class of 1952. One alumna is returning for her 75th anniversary, having graduated in 1942. All alumni, BU and community members, and friends are welcome at Homecoming, from every year. “Don’t wait for a milestone year to come to Homecoming!” said Carla Eisler, Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at BU. “There’s something new and different every year, and many of our alumni come back annually because it’s so much fun.” This year’s Homecoming festivities have been extended by a day, and will begin on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12, with a special jazz concert and reception featuring performances by Dean of Music Greg Gatien on saxophone, and Music faculty member Michael Cain on piano. Thursday’s events will also include a celebration of authors in the BU Journal of Graduate Studies in Education. There will be plenty to cheer about at Homecoming, including a Brandon University Bobcats/Brandon College Caps football reunion and the Homecoming Kickoff at the Bobcat basketball and volleyball games on Friday, Oct. 13. Alumni and friends will also witness the unveiling of the renewed Brandon College Portrait Gallery and see familiar faces from the history of the Bobcats and Cats athletic programs inducted into the Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame. At the Dinner and Awards evening, a capstone highlight of the weekend, Dr. Anthony Chow, Ben Dietschi, Dr. Lynn Whidden and Gordon Williams will receive awards for their contributions to teaching, service, community and career accomplishment. “There is something for everyone at Homecoming,” Eisler said. “Many of our alumni stay busy throughout the weekend by taking part in our scheduled events, including tours to see how the campus has changed, and spend time catching up with their classmates or other friends and relatives in Brandon.” There is still time to register. For a full list of events or to register, visit Brandonu.ca/Homecoming.