-Over 53 thousand Manitobans used free birth control in the first year of the governments free contraception program. From October 2nd, 2024 to October 21st, 2025, more than 190,000 birth control prescriptions were dispensed. Manitoba’s’ health minister said: “the large number of prescriptions filled is a “clear sign that the demand is real, and its making a meaningful difference in people’s lives”.
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-The number of Spinal Surgeries in Manitoba is increasing, but not fast enough. Manitoba has done 15 per cent more spinal surgeries in 2024 and 2025, compared to 2023. The NDP is focusing on expanding in-province care, and is scaling back the amount of Out-of-province procedures since 2023. Some patients argue that barriers to out-of-province care us too high, and leaves them with limited options.
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-The city of Brandon’s long awaited sobering center is delayed, due to lack of funding. Since 2021, Manitoba Justice has committed $2 million dollars in initial funding for a 24-hour sobering center. After 4 years, it still doesn’t exist. Manitoba passed a bill that allows highly intoxicated people to be detained up to 72 hours, but police cannot enforce it, as there is no facility for it.
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-Brandon Police arrested a 19-year-old man on Friday showing signs of alcohol consumption after a car crash. 3 vehicles were involved in the crash at the corner of Victoria Avenue and 18th street, just after 7pm. He blew over the legal limit on a breathalyzer, and will appear in court next month. No injuries were mentioned.
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-A 41-year-old Ebb and Flow First Nation’s woman reported missing on Christmas eve has been found dead. This from Manitoba RCMP. Becky McIvor was found in a wooden area 185 kilometers northwest of Manitoba Sunday afternoon. RCMP say the death is not suspicious, but is still under investigation.
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-PC MLA’s are unimpressed with An all-parties report on Manitoba’s news media, and want their names removed from it. Greg Nesbitt and Konrad Narth say they weren’t given a proper chance to provide input on the report. The report recommended spending 25 per cent of government advertising on local media. PC’s say it should be more than 50 per cent. NDP MLA Robert Loiselle (low-is-cell) says the PC’s were shown the report before publication and had a chance to provide feedback.
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-Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s popularity remains strong, despite challenges in health care, justice, and provincial finances. Since gaining power in 2023, the NDP have had a strong lead over the opposition, according to recent polls. The PC’s say they are preparing for the 2027 election with a new president, board of directors and campaign manager.
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-Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an additional $2.5 billion dollars in economic aid for Ukraine during a meeting in Halifax on Saturday. This, before Zelinsky’s meeting in Florida with US president Donald Trump about a peace deal with Russia. The Ukrainian president said the US-Ukraine deal is 90 per cent ready, with territorial questions being the sticking point.
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-The holiday tradition of a Christmas Bird Count is alive and well in Minnedosa. A dedicated group of about 10 people circled around the Minnedosa Dam Saturday 9am to 4pm, hoping to find as many birds as possible. Birds are tallied up and the info is sent to the national Christmas Bird Count data, to help track bird populations.
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-About 15 hundred people along with hundreds of volunteers were at the 40th anniversary of the Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner. Originally starting in the basement of a Brandon Church for 30 people, the dinner has outgrown the church, and was held at the Victoria Inn this Christmas. The event is a place to go for those who may feel lonely around the holidays and want to help support the community.
