Great news! Air Miles now has the Brandon to Toronto flights on-line and in their system. This means that you can now book a (nearly) free and completely convenient flight from home, to the big city of Toronto.  A flight this summer, from YBR to YYZ will cost 2000 Air Miles, plus the taxes, which will be about $100. If the flights continue through to the fall, the Air Miles needed will be reduced to 1600 per flight in the off season.  Beyond the Blue Jays baseball team, the CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium, you will find great shopping, world renowned restaurants and epic nightlife in Toronto. To do a little research and think about the possibilities. You can start your research here. http://www.seetorontonow.com If you don't have Air Miles, and already shop at Sobeys or Safeway, you are missing out. All you need to do is go to Airmiles.ca and sign up. And if you are indeed a collector, but lament that it takes too long to get anywhere, you just need to tune into some of their bonus offers. I'll give you one tip, shop for your groceries on the first Tuesday of each month and you will receive 20x the regular points. They call it customer appreciation day at both Safeway and Sobeys.  The next customer appreciation day is Tuesday, May 3rd. 

Courtesy:  Keystone Centre BRANDON, MB – With a total construction budget of $6 million, roughly $4.6 million was spent locally to rebuild City Square and Exhibition Hall inside the Keystone Centre. The major renovation, including demolition of the interior rooms, partial exterior demolition, new foundations, HVAC, lighting and roofs, was managed by local general contractor Crane Steel Structures in partnership with Keystone Centre management. The project was jointly funded by the City of Brandon and Province of Manitoba and finished slightly under budget and on time, with minimal disruption to daily events within the Keystone Centre. “Our tenants were flexible with scheduling during this time and we’re thankful for that,” said Neil Thomson, general manager, Keystone Centre. “These two rooms are right in the middle of the facility and we still needed to maintain business as usual while they were being demolished and rebuilt – it was challenging! We sealed off the rooms as best we could, scheduled noisier jobs after hours when possible and used alternative rooms for annual events, with their cooperation.” Over 40 years ago Exhibition Hall was brought over from the Wheat City Arena (10th St and Victoria Ave) and added to City Square, which was then the curling club. The rooms were part of the original structure created to be the Keystone Centre. The rooms’ demolition and rebuild project broke ground November 2014 and was complete December 2015, in time for the three busiest months at the Keystone Centre, January, February and March. “City Square and Exhibition Hall are unrecognizable,” said Thomson. “They are bright and modern and have improved air quality and temperature manageability, opening them up to new types of use and making them far more comfortable for their ongoing bookings.” City Square and Exhibition Hall are used for Manitoba Ag Days, National Arabian Show and most recently the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Additionally, the rooms host trade show displays, trailer and larger equipment displays, agricultural stalls and warm-up rings, indoor soccer and birthday parties. The rooms can be booked by calling Keystone Centre Sales at (204) 726-3522. About the Keystone Centre The non-profit Keystone Centre strives to be the premier service oriented, multifunctional, community minded facility in Manitoba, hosting sporting and entertainment events, fairs and agricultural exhibitions and conferences.  To learn more about the Keystone Centre visit www.keystonecentre.com Neil Thomson General Manager Keystone Centre (204) 726-3506

Courtesy: Westman Communications Group Brandon MB, April 21, 2016 – Westman Communications Group is pleased to announce we will be broadcasting the Brandon Wheat Kings' games through to the Western Hockey League final. We will be broadcasting the games live in HD on channel 1012 to all Westman subscribers who have HD packages and live in Brandon and the following communities: Boissevain, Carberry, Dauphin, Killarney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Rivers, Shilo, Souris, Ste. Rose, Swan River and Virden. For Westman subscribers who have standard definition packages the games will be available on channels 12/112. 2016 WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS SCHEDULE ON WCGtv (Central Time) BRANDON vs. RED DEER Game 1 - Fri Apr 22 7:30 PM Red Deer at Brandon Game 2 - Sat Apr 23 7:30 PM Red Deer at Brandon Game 3 - Tue Apr 26 8:00 PM Brandon at Red Deer Game 4 - Wed Apr 27 8:00 PM Brandon at Red Deer  Game 5 - Fri Apr 29 7:30 PM * Red Deer at Brandon Game 6 - Sun May 1 6:00 PM * Brandon at Red Deer Game 7 - Tue May 3 7:00 PM * Red Deer at Brandon  "We are pleased to show our continued support for the Brandon Wheat Kings by airing the games on WCGtv for all the residents and Wheat King fans in the Westman region," said Dave Baxter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westman. Each game will also be available on 880 CKLQ for those hoping to catch the game over radio. About Westman Communications Group Westman Communications Group is the operating name for Westman Media Cooperative Ltd., which provides service throughout Western Manitoba. Westman is a customer-owned cooperative, which operates cable systems in 36 communities. Westman is a leader in communication services including cable TV, Internet and phone. Westman also owns and operates local radio stations 880 CKLQ and 94.7 STAR FM, which broadcast throughout Western Manitoba. Westman is proud of its strong commitment to its customers and the communities it serves. For further information contact: John Quail Chief Marketing Officer Westman Communications Group 1906 Park Avenue, Brandon MB R7B 0R9 Email: quailj@westmancom.com Phone: 204-717-2025 Full Release

“What a great night. The only thing better than tonight in Manitoba is tomorrow. Tomorrow all Manitobans are going to walk out into a beautiful spring morning and they’re going to look up and the sky is going to be blue.”    — Brian Pallister’s victory speech in Winnipeg last night. That blue sky Progressive Conservative Premier-designate Brian Pallister was referring to could be a bit foggy, as today is 4/20, the annual celebration of the cannabis culture. It can draw hundreds of pot-smokers illegally (for now) lighting up on the front lawn of the Manitoba Legislature. But many Manitoba socialists — especially the 21 NDP MLAs who are now out of work — might be dazed and confused today anyway, as their 16-year high was harshed by a historic Tory landslide win of 40 seats. The seismic political shift has the NDP reduced to 14 seats, and the Liberals increasing from one to three seats. (Results as of 4:40 a.m.) The most seats the Tories ever had before was 36 back in 1962. The most any party claimed historically in Manitoba was 40, the Liberals in 1915. One of the hottest races in the province was Brandon East, with incumbent cabinet minister Drew Caldwell trying to hang on to the seat he won in 1999 and that has been represented by the NDP since it was created in 1969. Victor Len Isleifson ran a solid, clean campaign in Brandon East that was aided by volunteers from neighbouring safe PC Party seats, Spruce Woods, Arthur-Virden and Riding Mountain. A lot of people outside of Brandon East would say they didn’t really know much about Isleifson. He was a one-term city councillor, who chose not to run in the 2014 campaign to prepare for this provincial tilt. But when he was councillor for Riverview Ward on Brandon’s east side, he earned a reputation of answering calls and making sure residents’ concerns were taken care of. He was obviously well-liked in the constituency. And also he was a  Tory at a time when the NDP was out of favour. Before the Legislature was dissolved and the writ dropped on March 16, there were 35 New Dems, 19 Tories and one Liberal. There were also two vacant seats. “This PC majority government will be in power for decades to come, because we are going to do amazing things for this province,” Isleifson said to packed hall at Seniors for Seniors on Park Avenue East. “We’re going to move forward and form investments in education in health care in children and in families.” I asked Isleifson what Brandon projects he’ll be pushing for in the new Tory caucus. He said the new school in south Brandon is a definite priority, as is completing the move of Assiniboine Community College from Victoria Avenue to its new North Hill campus. Shortly after, the man Isleifson defeated entered the hall. Many there weren’t sure if he would show up. And also weren’t sure what his mood would be like after CKLQ 880 tweeted out a quote from him at NDP HQ:  “Just elected a man in Brandon East who made no commitments to Brandon.” But at Isleifson’s victory party, Caldwell was humble and wished the winner well. “Enjoy it, enjoy it,” he said as he shook Isleifson’s hand. Caldwell stayed around for quite a while in the room full of Tories, as he waited to do a live hit on CTV Winnipeg. “Hey James, how are you doing, man,” Caldwell said when he spotted me at the Isleifson victory party. “You called it.” In recent columns, and based on many polls, I had suggested the NDP was in for a huge shock and that voters in Brandon East had a very difficult decision to make: To have Tory Isleifson in a Pallister government, or to vote for the hard-working Caldwell, but have him sitting in Opposition. I chatted with my friend of 30-odd years and asked him what he would do now, after being in public service most of his adult life. Caldwell will receive a year’s salary as severance pay. He says he’s going to stay in Brandon after sorting out his second life in Winnipeg where he owns two houses. What if he had won? And be spending his days in Opposition? I suggested to Caldwell that it would drive him crazy. “Probably,” he said with a laugh. “But I would have a paycheque.” Caldwell said he will take his time to review any opportunities that come his way. I then drove across town to Brandon West Tory HQ, located in the former CKX-TV building. When I walked in, I came across victorious Tory Reg Helwer chatting with Mayor Rick Chrest. “Well,” I said to the pair, “you now truly have a real Team Brandon.” And they laughed. But agreed that it would be a positive for the city. I pulled Helwer aside and asked the man who had just won his second term — and took all of the polls in Brandon West — if he thought he would be asked to join the Pallister cabinet. I knew what he was going to say, but figured I’d ask anyway. “I’ll leave that to Brian Pallister, he’s the boss,” Helwer said. I then asked him what areas he would be championing in the Tory caucus. “I heard at the doors that people want to have jobs,” he said. “That’s what I’ve always delivered on for Brandon and Western Manitoba in my entire business career.” Sounds like he would make a good minister of jobs and the economy (or whatever Pallister will rename that portfolio), and also be the de facto regional minister for Brandon and Westman. But I digress. “I think we have an opportunity now, with representatives from across the province, this is a government for Manitobans, not just a few people,” Helwer told me. “We’re thrilled with Brandon East, there was a lot of hard work there. We brought in volunteers from all the successful constituencies (to help out).” While I was in a side room talking with Helwer, a CBC reporter was interviewing the mayor. “I do have a relationship with our new premier and a relationship with both of our MLAs, so I think we'll have a very strong opportunity to continue informed partnerships," he said. Chrest said his relationship with premier-designate Pallister goes way back. “Pallister did go to Brandon University and played basketball for the Brandon University Bobcats,” Chrest told CBC. “Another fun fact — he was my student teacher.” And now, all of Manitoba will be schooled in Progressive Conservatism. As for that weedfest on the north lawn of the Legislature today, Pallister has scheduled a media conference on the south side of the building. In fact, he’ll even be south of Assiniboine Avenue, which is about as far away that you could get from the 4/20 crowd while still having the Manitoba Legislature building as a backdrop. Perhaps that’s a glimpse into Pallister’s view on the pot legalization issue. Something his new government will have to deal with as the feds push ahead with plans to legalize it.  

“If nothing else, Manitoba’s 41st election will be remembered for the desperate and often unseemly campaign tactics exhibited by NDP Premier Greg Selinger.”                                                                             — Globe and Mail, Sunday, April 17 “Scaring cancer patients? What's next for this soulless @mbndp mob? Face it Dippers, you're done. Just shut up and face the music. #mbelxn                                                                           — My Tweet on Saturday, April 16 After 17 very long years of socialist rule, the NDP and its load of bad budgets and beat-up Birkenstocks will be tossed from power after the ballots are counted tomorrow night. Some reliable observers predict the New Dems could be reduced to as few as eight seats in Opposition. With the Liberals lucky to get two, maybe three chairs. The Progressive Conservatives are primed to win a majority, one pollster coining it a “mega-majority.” The party is ready to govern. It has a strong leader, some veteran MLAs ready to assume cabinet portfolios, and a slate of eager candidates prepared to represent constituencies across the province that have been NDPville for many years, even decades. Instead of accepting their fate, the Damn Dirty Dippers are engaging in brutal personal attacks and in the worst type of speculative political fishing. Just slinging mud in every direction, hoping some will stick with the media and voters. This past weekend was a particularly nasty one in the political arena. I’ll sum up some lowlights here: •   NDP on Pallister’s second home in Costa Rica: “The public of Manitoba needs to know why he is so inconsistent,” said Dave Chomiak. “What he did not tell you was that he had two holding companies, a car and three other pieces of land. If that is not an outright lie, it is a deliberate attempt to mislead.” •   PC statement on the NDP’s allegations: Brian Pallister has always fully complied with his disclosure obligations as an MLA. In doing so, he acts on advice from the Conflict of Interest Commissioner. As publicly confirmed already, Mr. Pallister saved for 30 years to purchase a vacation property in Costa Rica. The property consists of four parcels of land. One contains his vacation home, the others are pasture and grass land. Mr. Pallister has two companies, the sole purpose of which is to own this land and two used vehicles. In Costa Rica, it is common practice for foreigners to own land and vehicles through companies. Mr. Pallister conducts no business activity in Costa Rica and owns no revenue-generating property. Greg Selinger and the NDP are desperate, and will resort to every possible smear tactic. Unfortunately, this includes ongoing attacks on Mr. Pallister’s private family life. •   NDP’s cancer scare: Will (the Conservatives) reduce parking fees at hospitals and support transport programs for patients of chronic diseases, as committed to by the NDP? Why is Pallister refusing to commit to the expansion of CancerCare Manitoba, which will offer diagnostics, treatment and research to help cancer patients and their families get the care they need? •   PC Party’s response:  Greg Selinger’s campaign of fear hit a new and shameful low today when he stated a new PC government would cut cancer care drugs for vulnerable patients and seniors. “Never before have Manitobans been exposed to such a desperate campaign of fear and lies from a sitting premier and his government,” said deputy PC leader and candidate for Tuxedo, Heather Stefanson. “Selinger is playing politics with sick peoples’ lives in a desperate attempt to get re-elected.” At no time has the PC Party ever said, suggested, or even hinted at reducing patient access to cancer care treatment. We did not and we will not.  For the Selinger NDP to use the cancer battle as a last-minute fear tactic in an election campaign is beyond reprehensible. •   Even Brandon East MLA and cabinet minister Drew Caldwell stepped into the fray, as CBC reported: A Brandon family is joining those raising concerns about Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister's travel schedule at the height of the 2014 flood. Joel and Jennifer Melcosky's home is about 15 metres away from the banks of the Assiniboine River in Brandon. Their property were threatened by high water in both 2011 and 2014. The family told reporters they received constant support from Caldwell during the floods. They claimed he even went as far as helping move furniture to higher ground. It was revealed last week that Pallister was in Costa Rica during the 2014 flood. •   PC Party’s response: “I think we've reached out to a lot of people during tough times,” said Stefanson. “We've talked to a lot of people, families, who are out of their homes for several years, and who are still out of their homes, because of this NDP government. So, to say they are the only ones helping, they are not helping those people that are still out of their homes.” Now I’m not sure exactly what Caldwell was expecting Pallister to do in 2014, even if he was in Manitoba as the Assiniboine River’s crest headed towards Winnipeg. Yes, I applaud Caldwell for his hard physical labour during flood preparations. He went above and beyond what is expected of an MLA. And he sure spammed Twitter with endless photos of himself doing all these great things for his constituents. For the record, Pallister travelled twice to western Manitoba before the flood in 2014 and once after. There were some other heated exchanges on the weekend about how the PC Party and NDP explained how they will pay for election promises, etc. (I’m not talking about the Liberals in this column because, well, they simply aren’t main players at this point.) One story that caught my attention above the rest of the noise was one that voters should pay real attention to. CBC reported that just days before the provincial election, OmniTrax Canada filed a lawsuit against the province, NDP Leader Greg Selinger and long-time NDP cabinet minister Steve Ashton alleging they interfered in the sale of the railway to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation by disclosing confidential information to another First Nation. Now if true, that’s pretty serious stuff. In the lawsuit dated April 15, 2016, OmniTrax Canada says it entered into a non-disclosure agreement with the province around March 17, 2015, CBC reported. OmniTrax provided Manitoba with confidential and proprietary financial and operating information. OmniTrax alleges in about December 2015, the government of Manitoba, Steve Ashton and Greg Selinger, disclosed confidential financial information about the company to consulting firm MNP LLP and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. OmniTrax Canada president, Merv Tweed, told CBC on Sunday he still expects the sale to go through and would not elaborate on how the disclosure of the financial information to another First Nation — Opaskwayak Cree Nation — affected the deal. Now to be fair and balanced, I must point out that Tweed is a former Progressive Conservative MLA and later was the Conservative MP for Brandon-Souris. So the timing of the lawsuit is a bit suspicious. As for the allegations? Well, we’ll see how the case works out in court. A Progressive Conservative news release states the OmniTrax lawsuit “raises new questions of serious misconduct.” “Manitobans should be very concerned when the highest elected official in the province is sued for alleged misconduct as part of a string of ethical violations,” the release states. In any event, this is the dirtiest campaign I can recall. And that dirt is under the fingernails of the NDP who just can’t accept the fact that voters have a desire for a change in government. Here’s an example of how bad the situation is for the Dippers. You’ll recall that Dave Chomiak was put up to speak on the latest bit of nonsense about Pallister’s Costa Rica home. Now I agree that Pallister has spent more time there — all when the Legislature wasn’t in session, by the way — than he probably should have. But the demands and duties of being premier will require him to stay locked in the Keystone Province a lot more than when he was Leader of the Opposition. And he has already acknowledged that. But I digress. The north Winnipeg constituency of Kildonan is generally regarded as safe for the NDP. Chomiak has been a prominent cabinet minister in both the Doer and Selinger governments. In the 2003 election, he won with 70% of the vote. In 2007 he won with about 60% of the vote. I obtained some PC Party internal polling numbers for the Kildonan constituency, which I have no reason to believe are cooked. As of April 15: PC - 42%; NDP - 23%; Green - 8%; Liberals - 6%; with 21% undecided. If that’s any indication of the erosion of NDP support, a “mega-majority” might not be hyperbole. It might be the new reality when the smoke clears on Wednesday morning.