The Pension Commission of Manitobahas reviewed the province’s pension laws in an initiative to update and strengthen the existing pension system, Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. “We know how important it is for Manitobans to have secure income and certainty in their retirement,” said Friesen.  “We look forward to receiving feedback on the proposed reforms, with a view toward improving pension benefits and building a stronger financial future for Manitobans.” The Pension Commission is required to complete a statutory review of The Pension Benefits Act (PBA) every five years, and report its findings and recommendations to the minister.  The latest review focused on new plan designs, solvency deficiency funding rules, locking-in provisions and access to locked-in pension funds, compulsory pension plan membership, division of pensions on relationship breakdown, clarification and legislative gaps. Highlights of the commission’s recommendations include: introducing a target benefit or shared risk plan framework for defined benefit pension plans as another option to encourage defined benefit pension plans; introducing a new funding regime based on enhanced going concern funding and a lower solvency funding threshold of 85 per cent; and allowing greater flexibility for individuals to access locked-in pension funds due to financial hardship. An online public consultation on the recommendations in the commission’s report will occur over a six-week period, the minister said.  For more information on the review and consultation visit www.gov.mb.ca/labour/pension. Electronic submissions can be sent to pensions@gov.mb.ca.  Written submissions can be sent to: The Office of the Superintendent – Pension Commission Room 1004 – 401 York Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 The closing date for submissions is Feb. 21. The minister noted the consultation will be followed by proposed legislation to reform and strengthen the province’s pension system and secure stable retirement income for Manitobans. The Manitoba government appoints members of the Pension Commission and the commission comprises not fewer than five and not more than nine members representing the views of organized labour, plan sponsors, the pension consulting industry and pensioners. The consultation paper and the commission’s recommendations for reforms to The Pension Benefits Act are attached.

The government of Manitoba is making a contribution valued at up to $20 million to provide increased broadband connection to First Nations, rural and northern Manitoba communities, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.  This is Manitoba’s contribution to a $63-million project to bring high-speed Internet to 72 rural and remote communities in the province. “There is tremendous potential in northern Manitoba.  Developing that potential is a priority of our provincial government and to do that we need the tools to maximize our opportunities,” said Pallister.  “This exciting project to increase and deliver reliable access to broadband networks is key to unlocking the potential of our remote northern communities.  This enhanced service will create economic opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities, and improve the health and quality of life of all residents across this vast region.” Manitoba Hydro will allow Clear Sky Communications, a Manitoba First Nations-owned and -operated Internet service provider, to access and utilize existing fibre-optic cable network and related assets. Once completed, the broadband project will include 10-gigabit ethernet fibre connections that will provide 72 communities – 37 of which are First Nations and 18 are located in remote regions of northern Manitoba – and 88 institutions with access to high-speed Internet services on par with southern urban areas. This project is part of the federal government’s five-year Connect to Innovate program designed to extend and enhance broadband service in rural and remote communities. “Access to high-speed Internet is not a luxury; it’s essential.  High-speed Internet service is a basic tool that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code.  Canadians need this service to do business, upgrade their education and build stronger communities.  Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, more Canadians will be able to participate fully in the digital economy,”Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said. “Manitoba Hydro is pleased to be a part of today’s announcement with this valuable in-kind contribution,” said Kelvin Shepherd, president and CEO, Manitoba Hydro.  “By providing access to capacity on our existing fibre network, we are helping to facilitate bringing broadband high-speed communications and internet – and the enhanced economic and educational opportunities that brings – to even more Manitobans.  This is a great way to leverage our existing infrastructure without incremental costs to our customers.” The Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economy was released on Oct. 20, 2017, outlining a path forward to build stronger partnerships and a brighter economic future in the north.  The report highlighted access to broadband as a priority area and one of the most common topics to arise in discussions with northerners last year.  In fact, nearly every community the Look North Task Force met with spoke of the need for high-speed internet as a key economic driver for unlocking the potential of remote communities. “The Look North Report and Action Plan includes priority areas to focus on in order to build a robust and sustainable economic future in northern Manitoba, and high-speed internet is one of these areas,” said Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke.  “We are pleased to partner with the federal government on this project which will help modernize and transform the economic future of the region.” For more information about Manitoba’s Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economy, visit www.looknorthmb.ca.

The City of Brandon’s Community Services Department wishes to advise the public that it will begin a controlled burn of Dutch Elm tree debris in the back area of the Brandon Recreation Centre (3500 McDonald Avenue) on Monday, January 8th, 2018 . The City of Brandon undertakes the removal of diseased, dead, or dying Dutch Elm trees in accordance with guidelines laid out by the Province of Manitoba. The department has applied for and received the proper permitting from Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, and the fire will be monitored 24/7 by City staff. It is anticipated the burning should be completed sometime on the afternoon of Friday, January 12th, 2018. The City of Brandon asks that all members of the public stay away from the area until the controlled burning has been completed. For more information on the process, the public may visit http://www.brandon.ca/recreation-parks/dutch-elm-disease-faq or contact the City of Brandon Parks Section at 204-729-2152.

The 2017 BRHC Foundation Gala Committee recently announced that $73,634 had been raised at their sold out "Old Holiday Gala" event held on September 30. The diner and dance was their 27th annual in support of the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, an organization who "helps fund a variety of purchases and projects within the community for the benefit of all who are served by the Brandon Regional Health Centre". Planned equipment purchases for the Brandon Regional Health Centre now include a fetal monitor and waterless milk warmers for the Maternal/Child areas, a physiological monitor for the Dialysis Unit, and a hyper-hypothermia system for the Emergency Department.

BRANDON, Man. (January 4, 2018)—This year marks the 30th anniversary of Assiniboine Community College’s Grey Owl restaurant, an accomplishment perhaps most appreciated by the eyes and stomachs of past and future diners. The Grey Owl restaurant was born from humble beginnings when it was first held at the college’s Victoria Avenue East campus in 1987. At that time, it had space for fewer than 30 guests. Since then, Grey Owl’s location and size have changed, but its purpose remains the same: to provide hands-on learning opportunities for Culinary Arts and Hotel & Restaurant Management students. Students and faculty come together to present a blend of contemporary and classic cuisine in a fine dining environment that runs over 20 nights. The restaurant took a one-year hiatus in 2007 when the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts (MICA) opened, officially marking the college’s relocation and expansion to the North Hill campus. Now set inside the stunning 1920’s heritage building (the former Brandon Mental Health Centre’s Nurses’ Residence), Grey Owl hosts close to 1,400 guests over the four weeks. Reservations to the annual event are among the most sought after in Westman, with tables being fully booked within hours of phone lines opening year after year. To mark this year’s 30th anniversary of Grey Owl and the 10th anniversary of MICA, Hotel & Restaurant Management students are introducing new celebratory cocktails as well as bringing back crowd favourites. The Culinary Arts program have surprises in store for guests, including dishes from past menus and a special dessert. This year’s Grey Owl runs Monday to Friday from January 22 to February 16, 2018. Those interested in booking a reservation may call 204.725.8738 or 800.862.6307 ext 6516 once the phone lines open on Thursday, January 11 at 9 a.m. Reservations are available for tables of two, four or six. There is a maximum of one reservation per caller. This year’s full menu is expected to be made available at assiniboine.net/greyowl<http://assiniboine.net/greyowl> in the coming weeks. Assiniboine is inviting non-profit organizations and community groups to submit their proposals for a complimentary reservation for eight inside the private dining room at the 2019 Grey Owl restaurant. The organization selected by the college may use the donated table to support their fundraising efforts. Details can be found at assiniboine.net/greyowl<http://assiniboine.net/greyowl