The Manitoba government is introducing amendments to the fuel tax act, which would temporarily pause the collection of the provincial tax on gasoline for at least six months starting next year, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “We know there is an affordability crisis in Manitoba and across Canada,” said Sala. “This legislation would provide much-needed relief to Manitobans during these unprecedented times of high inflation. The bill would help everyone from the family rushing their kids off to different activities, to the small business owner who relies on their car for work.” Bill 3, the fuel tax amendment act (fuel tax holiday) would temporarily reduce the provincial fuel tax rate to zero cents per litre on gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuels for road use. This tax pause would remain in place for six months. During the fuel tax holiday, the 14-cent fuel tax rates on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be eliminated, the minister noted. “This would provide direct relief to Manitoba families struggling with rising costs and is a crucial step in our government’s plan to make life more affordable for all Manitobans,” said Sala. There is no provincial sales tax on the purchase of fuel. Fuel taxes would continue to be collected on aviation, locomotive and propane as these are not included in the fuel tax holiday, the minister added. The average Manitoba family with two cars is expected to save approximately $250 during the six-month fuel tax holiday, the minister noted.

On November 22, 2023, at approximately 5:00 pm, members of Brandon Police Service Organized Crime Section executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Sycamore Drive. Police located and seized 16 oz of Cocaine, approximately $6000 cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Police also seized a 9 mm Glock handgun, magazine, and ammunition. The Cocaine has a street value of approximately $45,000. A 31-year-old male was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service. He will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possess Proceeds of Crime, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possess Firearm, Possess Prohibited Device, Possess Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, and Careless Storage of Firearm.

On November 22, 2023, shortly after 4:00 am, police responded to a report of individuals inside a multiunit dwelling in the 100 block of Frederick Street, when it should have been empty.  Police located two individuals on the property. A 39-year-old male was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service to prevent any further issues. A 33-year-old male was arrested and found to be in possession of a hatchet, contrary to a release order not to possess any weapons.  He was also not to attend Brandon.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Fail to Comply with Release Order X2 and Carry Concealed Weapon.

On 2023-11-20 at 0320 hrs, police received a report from an employee that someone had broken into the building at 144 12th ST through the front door.  At the time of the call, the employee stated that the fire alarm was sounding and that they could smell smoke from one of the offices which they were hiding. Police entered the building as it was filling up with smoke and located a 33-year-old male who broke in by smashing the front glass door and starting the fire. The employee and five apartments within the same building with more than 10 occupants were evacuated by police.  Shortly after, the building became fully engulfed with flames.  The buisiness is believed to be a complete loss and the area remains cordoned off while BFES continues to monitor for possible flair ups.  The suspect has been lodged at BPS to appear in court 2023-11-20 for the charges of Break and Enter, and Arson with Disregard for Human Life.

On November 20, 2023, shortly after 3:00 pm, police responded to a report of a fight at a business in the 1900 block of Queen’s Ave.  When police arrived, there were several individuals involved.  A 19-year-old female was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service until sober as she was no longer welcome at the business. An 18-year-old male who was involved became aggressive with officers, charged at them, and punched on officer.  To gain compliance from the male, a conducted energy weapon was deployed.  He was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service.  He will be released once sober to appear in court at a later date on charges of Resist Arrest and Assault Peace Officer.