Impaired drivers who are in a collision will be denied third-party liability coverage as of August 1, 2023, the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) announced today. Impaired drivers will be responsible for covering the cost of any damage they cause to other vehicles or property. “Our government is committed to holding impaired drivers accountable for damage caused by their actions and to keeping our roads safe for all Manitobans,” Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said. “Far too many people are killed and injured every year in collisions caused by impaired drivers. That’s why the Government of Manitoba is pleased to announce that MPI now has the authority to recover costs for property or vehicle damage directly from these drivers.” Third-party liability covers damages caused to other vehicles and to personal or public property. Under the new rules, if an impaired driver causes damage to someone else’s vehicle or property, MPI will cover the damages caused and then seek repayment from the impaired driver. This way, individuals whose property is damaged will continue to be compensated fully, as they are today. These changes will apply to drivers of all types of motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles. The Personal Injury Protection Plan covers all Manitoba residents injured in an automobile accident anywhere in Canada and the United States. However, outside of Manitoba, an impaired driver is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction, meaning they could be responsible for covering the costs of all damage caused, including bodily injuries. “Manitoba already has among the toughest penalties in Canada for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This announcement creates one more serious deterrent to impaired driving in Manitoba,” said MPI Chairperson Ward Keith. “We are sending a clear message that impaired driving is unacceptable in our province. If you drink or use drugs, simply do not drive.” Enhancing Manitoba’s strong stance on impaired driving Impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety with significant sanctions and consequences. In addition to today’s announcement, all-perils coverage for damage to one’s own vehicle is already denied for impaired drivers. Additional consequences to driving after consuming drugs or alcohol in Manitoba include licence suspensions, vehicle impoundment, participation in Manitoba’s Ignition Interlock Program, potential charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, movement down the Driver Safety Rating scale and a mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at the driver’s expense. MADD Canada, whose mission is to stop impaired driving and support victims of this violent crime, applauded the addition of another disincentive in Manitoba, and remains supportive of all initiatives to help prevent people driving under the influence. “Impaired driving is a choice someone makes, and a choice for which they should be held accountable,” said Jaymie-Lyne Hancock, National President of MADD Canada. “We welcome this announcement from the Government of Manitoba and MPI. It is another strong consequence, in addition to the existing penalties, that individuals who choose to drive impaired will face.” Statistics show impaired driving is a factor in one in four road fatalities each year in Manitoba and is a contributing factor in approximately 26 deaths each year, on average. So far in 2023, seven people have been killed in collisions involving impaired driving on Manitoba roads. Top five road safety tips for summer driving As Manitobans hit the road for summer travel, all drivers are urged to slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. “There is no reason to ever drive impaired by drugs or alcohol,” MPI’s Keith said. “If you are out celebrating this summer, choose not to drive impaired. Plan a safe ride home. Have a designated driver, take a cab or rideshare, use public transit or stay the night. Whatever you do, don’t drive impaired.” All motorists are reminded to follow these tips any time they get behind the wheel: Never drive when impaired by alcohol or drugs. Don’t text and drive. Slow down – don’t speed. Buckle up. Be cautious in construction zones. (MPI News Release)

On July 24, 2023 shortly after 10:00 pm, police responded to a report of a disturbance at a business in the 3400 block of Victoria Ave.  Investigation revealed that adult siblings were fighting.  During the fight, one of them was struck with a wine glass, and required hospital treatment.  The 36-year-old female was arrested and later released to appear in court on September 28, 2023 on a charge of Assault with a Weapon.

At approx. 3 PM Saturday, a 911 call was received reporting a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 200 block of 18th St N. Witnesses to the incident indicated that the adult male pedestrian darted out into the street, and the driver of the southbound vehicle had no time to stop or react. The 29 year old male was taken by ambulance to the Brandon Regional Health Centre for treatment of what appeared to be an injury to his lower leg / foot.  The male refused to be seen at the hospital leaving almost immediately.  There are no charges being contemplated against the driver of the vehicle, given the evidence gathered at the scene. There was also no evidence to suggest the pedestrian was attempting to harm himself, rather a very poorly calculated risk.

Manitoba Consumer Protection and Government Services advises the 2024 rent guideline has been set at three per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The guideline is determined annually based on the Manitoba Consumer Price Index and applies to most residential rental properties including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes. Despite inflation being higher than three per cent, the rent increase guideline is limited by the Bank of Canada’s target inflation range of one per cent to three per cent. This is the first increase since 2021, as the rate was held at zero per cent in 2022 and 2023. The guideline does not apply to the following: rental units renting for $1,615 or more per month; various types of social housing; rental units owned and operated by, or for, provincial, municipal or federal governments; rental units in buildings first occupied after March 2005; not-for-profit life lease units; co-operative units; and approved rehabilitated rental units. Landlords may apply for an increase above the guideline if they can show the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred. Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect Jan. 1, 2024, tenants must receive notice by Sept. 30, 2023. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch at 204-945-2476 in Winnipeg or 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free in Manitoba) to learn more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. More information is also available at www.manitoba.ca/rtb.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Sinjin SHORTING FOR Fail to Comply with Release Order. On July 16, 2023, Sinjin Shorting breached his release order for failing to comply with his daily curfew and the condition to reside at a specific address. Police have been unable to locate SHORTING, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Sinjin SHORTING. ***************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000. On July 13th, 2023, at approximately 3:30 P.M. a male entered a business in the 900 block of 18th Street North. The male concealed merchandise in a gym bag and exited the store without paying for the property. The suspect was captured on video with his photo attached to this release. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.