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.

A food delivery driver was attacked, and stabbed, in the alleyway in the 500 block of 11th Street on Monday afternoon. Officers learned that a man and a woman approached the driver and demanded both his cash and his vehicle. A struggle ensued and the the male suspect allegedly stabbed the driver in the arm. A subsequent search of the area by police located a male matching the suspects description. Two knives and a small quantity of Methamphetamine was found on the male. Police are still looking for the identify the female who was with the male suspect. A 25-year old male suspect was arrested for Attempt Robbery, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Methamphetamine. The driver was taken with hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba It has been nine years ago today that Jennifer Catcheway was supposed to celebrate her 18th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Instead, her family and police began what has turned into a nearly decade-long search for answers into what happened to Jennifer. The last time Jennifer was seen was on June 19, 2008, in Grand Rapids, Manitoba. After numerous searches were conducted and numerous witnesses were spoken to, RCMP ruled Jennifer’s disappearance a homicide, but her remains have never been found. “This has been a very long road for the Catcheway family,” said Cpl. Sean Farrell of the RCMP Major Crime Unit and lead investigator into Jennifer’s death. “I cannot imagine what they have had to endure during the last nine years. We work closely with the family and continue to investigate. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and contact police. Please don’t assume we know what you know. If you know anything, please reach out.” Anyone with information is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Manitoba Public Insurance Media Release Manitoba Public Insurance announced it has requested a 2.7 per cent overall rate increase for the 2018/19 insurance year in its general rate application filed with the Public Utilities Board today. If approved, the average passenger vehicle owner will pay about $29 more in premiums per year, or less than $3 per month. “The overall premium revenue requirement for the Basic insurance program in 2018/19 results from an ongoing focus on fiscal prudence and cost containment, which results in a direct financial benefit for Manitoba rate payers,” Dan Guimond, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance said today. “Without these efforts, the indicated rate requirement would have been significantly higher at 7.7 per cent,” said Guimond. “We recognize that our customers expect us to deliver comprehensive auto insurance coverage and service at rates that are predictable, stable and among the lowest in all of Canada. We believe this application continues to deliver on that mandate.” This year’s rate application also addresses concerns over significant undercapitalization of the Basic Autopac insurance program by seeking 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, which affects investment income and future claims liabilities. Also under the proposal, the interest rate forecast for rate setting purposes would be updated as at the end of November 2017 with final approved rates established through a compliance filing to the general rate application in December 2017 to take effect for policies effective on March 1, 2018 or later. Doing so will provide a better basis for interest rate forecasting for the 2018 insurance year. “Our goal is to continue working collaboratively with the Public Utilities Board to reach consensus on these important issues, which will ultimately help to ensure the Basic insurance program operates on a self-sustaining basis for the benefit of all Manitobans,” added Guimond. If approved, a total of 637,440 vehicles (excluding trailers and off-road vehicles) will receive a premium increase with 54.2 per cent of these vehicles increasing by less than $50 per year. Approximately 35.5 per cent of all vehicle owners will see no change or a decrease in premium over 2017/18 rates. The average premium for the private passenger vehicle class will be $1,086. While individual rates will continue to vary based on the type of vehicle being insured, vehicle use, rating territory, and driving history, the following overall rate increases have been requested by major vehicle class.