To celebrate Canada 150, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $1.2 million to help more Manitobans become homeowners through Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project. Manitoba Families Minister Scott Fielding and Doug Eyolfson, member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headlingley, announced funding today through the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) extension agreement. “Habitat provides such an effective model in home ownership and creates pride and confidence by giving people the opportunity to build their own home,” said Fielding at the Winnipeg build site in St. James. “Safe housing lifts people up, helps families succeed and builds healthy communities. Manitobans are excited to volunteer with this valuable project to address poverty and homelessness as part of Canada’s 150th birthday.” The 34th Carter Work Project will build 150 homes for Canada’s 150th anniversary July 9 to 14. Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will participate in Winnipeg and Edmonton. This announcement is truly unprecedented and demonstrates the government of Canada’s firm commitment to helping Canadians in need meet their housing needs.” said Eyolfson, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Our government is proud to contribute to the largest build in Habitat Canada history and we look forward to continuing our strong relationships with our valued partners.” The joint funding is part of a 2016 agreement of $90 million over two years between the Manitoba government and Government of Canada through CMHC. “Habitat Manitoba’s commitment to the Carter Work Project is to construct 25 new homes and we could not possibly meet that objective without this financial support from the federal and provincial governments,” said Sandy Hopkins, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “Our total investment to build the 25 homes is about $6.5 million but that investment will generate over $40 million in value to society over the next 50 years, in today’s dollars.” Habitat for Humanity Manitoba will build 21 new homes in Winnipeg, two in Portage la Prairie and two in Brandon. It selects qualifying families willing to contribute up to 500 volunteer hours of sweat equity in the construction of their home and sells them homes at fair market value. It holds the mortgage at zero interest, requires no down payment and bases repayment on a percentage of annual income. Since 1984, the Carter Work Project has drawn nearly 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes. The Carters held the first Canadian build in Winnipeg in 1993. Details of the 2017 project are available at www.habitat.mb.ca. Manitoba Housing provides a range of subsidized housing and other programs and services across the province.  For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

The City of Brandon and all management and staff of the Brandon Municipal Airport warmly invite all members of the public to attend the Brandon Municipal Airport Expansion/Redevelopment Project Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, July 14th, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. Construction on the expanded terminal building began in the fall of 2015, and the fully-expanded facility threw open its doors for the first time for daily flights in mid-May of this year. Funded by contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Brandon, the expanded facility is now three times its former size and features dedicated arrivals, security screening, and departures areas, as well as an expanded parking lot. To celebrate the project’s completion, all members of the public are invited to attend our grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony and take in a complimentary tour of the facility!

Photos, and a video, showing the damage of a recent fire at the corner of Stickney Ave and 12th Street in Brandon, MB.  Photos and video courtesy Mike Wasilka

Prairie Mountain Health The new pediatric ward at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) is now complete following its move from the fifth floor to a newly renovated space on the second floor, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen and Brian Schoonbaert, chief operating officer of Brandon Regional Health Centre, said today. “When children get sick, they will now have a safe, modern space where they and their families can go to make sure they get the quality care they need,” said Goertzen. “This project completes the first phase of the redevelopment of the Brandon Regional Health Centre and this renewed space will make a real difference for families that need to access care.” This project was part of the initial phase of the BRHC Redevelopment Project, which began in May 2016. The ward features seven single rooms in addition to a new playroom and opened for patients and families at the end of May 2017. “We are very thankful for the support of the Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, which raised $150,000 for the renovation,” said Schoonbaert. “Given this significant contribution, the unit will be known as the ‘Westman Dreams for Kids Pediatric Unit’.” The Westman Dreams for Kids Pediatric Unit features spacious single rooms, along with an examination/clinic space, and rooms for nutrition, medication and storage. There are also safety features, which include alarmed exit doors, swipe access cards for staff and video surveillance. The ward has been constructed with extensive use of natural light and is a more energy efficient space featuring the use of LED lighting, and enhanced electrical, plumbing and air handling systems. “Overall, we are very pleased with the renovation to the pediatric unit, which is the only one outside of Winnipeg that serves a large catchment area in Manitoba and parts of eastern Saskatchewan as well,” Schoonbaert added. “Brandon Regional Health Centre is a hub for families from across western Manitoba. This beautiful new space is a welcome addition for area families and I am pleased join our community as we celebrate this milestone in the BRHC redevelopment project,” said Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East who attended the event on behalf of the minister. It is anticipated construction on the entire $13.75-million redevelopment project will continue through until May 2019. Schoonbaert also acknowledged and thanked the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for its ‘Room for Renewal Campaign’ that raised over $600,000 for the entire redevelopment project.

The Brandon University (BU) Board of Governors has selected Dr. Steven Robinson to serve as Interim President, following the announced departure of current President Dr. Gervan Fearon. The appointment was confirmed today by the Board of Governors. “Brandon University will be in excellent hands with the leadership and vision that Dr. Robinson brings to the office,” said Board of Governors Chair Derrick Stewart. “He has been deeply involved with the University’s ongoing initiatives, including our Campus Master Plan and downtown initiative, and will energetically keep our momentum going forward.” Dr. Robinson will commence his duties on Aug. 1, 2017. Since 2015, Dr. Robinson has served in the role of Vice-President (Academic & Provost). Dr. Robinson has also served as Acting President during times the President was away or unavailable. As Vice-President, Dr. Robinson led many of the University’s community-engagement and enrolment growth strategies, including offering first-year university courses in Dauphin. “This is an exciting time for Brandon University and I look forward to a productive term leading our continued growth,” Dr. Robinson said. “Thank-you to the Board of Governors for their direction and support.” This appointment as Interim President continues Dr. Robinson’s long history of service to BU. After lecturing at both the University of Regina and the University of Guelph, Dr. Robinson joined the BU Department of Philosophy in 1996. He was promoted to Associate Professor and served three terms as Chair of the Philosophy Department. Dr. Robinson has taught widely in his field, ranging from subjects like logic and ethics to ancient philosophy, metaphysics, and democracy. His research and publications pertain to the philosophy of Plato, the evolution of ethics, and phenomenology. In administration, Dr. Robinson served two brief stints each as the Associate Dean of Arts and Acting Dean of Arts. He also served on the BU Senate and the BU Board of Governors, as well as five years as one of the University’s Conflict Resolution Advisors. He was appointed Acting Vice President (Academic & Provost) in 2015, and confirmed in the role permanently in 2016. Brandon University’s continued growth in research success, student enrolment, enhancement of academic programs and services, and engagement with the community will benefit from the support and continued commitment to be led by Dr. Robinson during this period.