Premier Wab Kinew travelled to Brandon today to announce the establishment of a new Westman regional cabinet office that will act as a liaison between families, businesses and community organizations in Westman and the Manitoba government. “Our government has been entrusted to govern on behalf of all Manitobans and we are very happy to announce our plans to serve the people of Brandon and Westman region,” said Kinew. “This is a region that deserves a strong provincial partner–to develop new economic opportunities, spur on health-care innovation, expand job training and educate the workforce of Westman’s future. Coming a day after a Hydro announcement that will bring more power to Brandon, I can say our government is ready to do the work. This cabinet office will be a hub for those great ideas to turn into tangible action.” The new regional cabinet office will be led by Jason Gobeil, a former school trustee with Brandon School Division (BSD), board member at Brandon University and community co-ordinator with more than 10 years of experience working directly in the areas of employment counselling, project management and community program development across the Westman region. Gobeil has volunteered his time serving on boards with BSD’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, the Westman chapter of the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment, the Brandon Bear Clan and the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, and has put on events like 100 Men 100 Drums, which offered cultural connection and trauma healing for Indigenous men. Gobeil is also a proud French speaker. “The people of Westman have so much to offer our province,” said Gobeil. “I can’t wait to bring those great ideas to the Manitoba government so we can get to work building a Westman for the future.” “I have all the confidence in Jason Gobeil to help the Brandon community realize its incredible potential as a critical city within our province,” said Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Glen Simard. “He believes in this community and he understands what Westman folks bring to the table. We are lucky to have his expertise in our government and I look forward to working with him.” Gobeil will offer a direct link for important provincial stakeholders in the Westman area with the premier’s office and each member of the premier’s cabinet, noted Kinew.

Matt McCarty without a doubt is a true Toronto Maple Leafs fan. But, it’s not until you arrive inside his house and you’ll know his love is much deeper. "I have thought about reducing my collection but that has yet to happen" McCarty told BDNMB.CA. He gets calls all the time from people that spot Maple Leaf odds and ends and he gets in his truck and brings it home. His prize possession is the Darryl Sittler game sheet when he scored 10 points in a single game in1976. McCarty will alter many of his personal plans and will always watch every Leaf game unless it is blacked out. Friends want to go to Houston's and I will say "ummmmm the Leafs are on at 7 pm". BDNMB.CA asked Matt what is his Leafs highlight. "Well I saw three Stanley Cups except those were all in black and white lol".

On the evening of 2023-11-09, police attended to a business in the 1600 block of 18th Street after staff reported 3 teenage females that were fighting with staff while being confronted for stealing canisters of spray paint.  The spray paint was recovered by staff with no injuries sustained or weapons involved.  Police located two of the suspects in the area, whereby they were arrested and released to guardians with conditions to appear in court 2024-01-16, for the charge of Robbery.  The third suspect has been identified and a warrant has been requested for this individual.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Colin David PELLETIER FOR Theft & Fail to Attend Court. On April 22, 2023, Colin PELLETIER was positively identified thru video surveillance stealing items from a Brandon business.  Colin PELLETIER’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. 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. *************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft Under $5000. On October 27th, 2023, a female was out Christmas shopping at a business located in the 900 block of 18th Street North. The female, however did not realize this business was not owned by Santa Clause and neglected to pay for the double stroller, tablets and other hardware related items. The suspects’ picture was captured on surveillance and attached to this release.

On the evening of 2023-11-08, police attended to a residence in the 200 block of Victoria Avenue E after receiving a report of an unwanted male.  Police determined that the accused had knowledge of the keypad code to enter the apartment and had let himself in without the tennants permission.  A 25-year-old male has been released from police custody with conditions to appear in court 2024-01-18, for the charge of Unlawfully in a Dwelling.