MGEU members (Locals 62 - 68) from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have voted overwhelmingly to accept the tentative agreement reached on Tuesday, October 31 – putting an end to a province-wide strike that began on August 28. The new collective agreement will provide all MPI members with wage increases of at least 13% over 4 years (September 27, 2022 - September 26, 2026). "It’s been a tough round of bargaining and strike action stretching from summer into fall," said MGEU President, Kyle Ross. "But our members stood their ground to achieve the fairness they deserved all along.” Details of the wage increases in the new agreement are as follows: 2022 - 3% 2023 - 3% 2024 - 3.4% (2.9% General Wage Increase, plus 0.5% Retention Adjustment increase) 2025 - 3.6% (2.8% General Wage Increase, plus 0.8% Retention Adjustment increase) Other highlights of the agreement include: 63% of members will receive an additional 3.5% wage increase over the life of the agreement from a new maximum increment step for each pay grade. A one-time, lump sum signing bonus of $1,800 per full time employee. (pro-rated for part-time employees) Members will receive two weeks Recognition Pay to acknowledge the more than three weeks of the strike during which no negotiations were possible as a result of the government transition process. The no-layoff Memorandum of Agreement has also been renewed. "Our members are keen to get back to work helping Manitobans,” Ross added. “We ask the public to have patience with members as they work to ramp-up services.” MGEU and MPI are working to finalize a return-to-work agreement that aims to have members back on the job by Friday morning. “I couldn’t be prouder of our members for the tremendous resilience and solidarity they demonstrated over the past 9 and a half weeks,” Ross said. “And I want to extend particular thanks and congratulations to the bargaining committee for their hard work and commitment in achieving this new agreement." Source: MGEU News

On October 30, 2023, at approximately 11:30 pm, police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 1800 block of Middleton Avenue. The 30-year-old male suspect was found to be in possession of keys belonging to a vehicle parked in the area which had been reported stolen out of Winnipeg. He was arrested and lodged a Brandon Police Service to appear in court today on a charge of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

As a result of an investigation from October 26th a 33 year old male was arrested for sexual assault and incest as a female reported being sexually assaulted by this male. The subject was arrested and released for court at a later date.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE” David FRENCH FOR Sexual Assault. On October 17, 2023, David FRENCH sexually assaulted a female at a Brandon residence. David FRENCH’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 25th, 2023, a male entered a business located in the 900 block of Victoria Ave. Once inside the male stole items and walked out of the business without paying for the merchandise. When approached the suspect threatened to assault the loss prevention officer and fled. The suspect was captured on surveillance that is attached to this release.  

The official results for the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees By-Election held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 have been confirmed. Kirk Carr has been elected to the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees for Ward 1 and Lorraine McConnell has been elected to the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees for Ward 2. Senior Administration and Staff of Brandon School Division would like to congratulate Kirk Carr and Lorraine McConnell on being elected to the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees. To view the official results, including a breakdown of the vote at specific voting locations, please visit: www.brandonvotes.ca.