On June 23 and 24th 2023, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Brandon Police Service and the Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Unit entered into Joint Forces Operation regarding sexual exploitation in the City of Brandon Manitoba. The investigation was name Project Block . The investigation focused on street level and online sexual exploitation. Over a 30-hour period Police arrest 21 males for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, or communicating in any place for that purpose. These arrests took place on the street in the community and in local hotels in the area. The accused ranged from 30-84 years of age. In 14 of these arrests the accused vehicle was also seized under section 242.2(3) of the HTA (Prostitution related impoundment of a motor vehicle). All of the accused were released by way of Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.

Over the past weeks, multiple trustees have been accused of violating the Trustee Code of Conduct Policy 7.7 (Linda Ross, Jim Murray, and Kim Fallis), and Bylaw No. 9/2019 section 6.6 (Breanna Sieklicki, and Calistus Ekenna). These trustees have been issued reprimands by the board as a whole, and each member of the board has been reminded of the importance of following proper board conduct. Each Trustee has agreed to follow all division policies and bylaws going forward. The board looks forward to continuing to work together to serve the educational needs of our community. The Board passed the following motion during the regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023: 59/2023 That trustees Linda Ross, Jim Murray, and Kim Fallis be reprimanded for breaching Policy 7.7, and trustees Breanna Sieklicki and Calistus Ekenna be reprimanded for breaching section 6.6 of Bylaw No. 9/2019.

Brandon Police By-Law members were in hot pursuit of a moose on the loose in Brandon’s west end this morning. By-Law officers were seen attempting to herd the moose towards the city limits, but the moose had other plans. It was last spotted making it’s way back into the Linden Lanes area with By-Law officers in tow.  

On June 26, 2023, police responded to a report of a holdup alarm at approximately 10:14 am at a business in the 800 block of Lorne Ave.  A second report indicated that an individual entered the business and stabbed a second individual. A 29-year-old male victim was located at the business and transported to hospital.  His injury is serious and he remains in hospital in stable condition. A 36-year-old suspect was also located nearby and arrested.  He too had a minor injury, which was medically treated.  He was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on a charge of Aggravated Assault.

James Montgomery announced his intentions to run for the PC Party nomination in Brandon West on February 14, 2023. The party approved him to be a nomination candidate on March 5, 2023. No rival emerged until former Brandon Police Chief, Wayne Balcaen announced that he is seeking the nomination on June 26, 2023. “Today, I am withdrawing my nomination, and fully supporting Wayne Balcaen for the candidacy, Montgomery said.” “I have offered Wayne my full support and assistance as he campaigns this summer. I will be out door knocking and helping Wayne anyway I can, Montgomery added.” Montgomery would like to thank his supporters, mentors and everyone who purchased a membership to the PC Party in support of his candidacy. He is hopeful that everyone who supported him will now throw their support and enthusiasm behind Wayne for MLA!