-City of Brandon Taxpayers could be paying more than 11 percent in property taxes in 2026. The City’s Director of Finance is recommending an 11.3 per cent property tax increase this year. The City says they need the extra money to cover debts, new staff hires and 21 budget enhancements and capitol investments in total. Council will deliberate this budget January 30th and 31st.
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-Manitoba Hydro’s minister says he stands behind last year’s rate shock of 3.5 per cent. Adrien Sala said the rate freeze was necessary to give Manitobans a bit of a break. Hydro proposed a 3.5 per cent increase per year from 2026-2028, but that was rejected by the Public Utilities Board. Manitoba Hydro has a projected $1.6-billion deficit. Consumer groups are questioning Manitoba Hydro’s bottom line and rate increases, raising the red flag about its spending.
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-The Manitoba Government is ending its relationship with dozens of companies that supply the health-care system with agency nurses. On January 15th, the province will only work with 4 private agencies instead of nearly 80, to fill vacant shifts at public health care facilities. Manitoba’s Health Minister said “scaling back the number of agencies would give the province more control”, as “for-profit agencies are squeezing the public system for millions of dollars”.
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-Former Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Vince Tacan has dropped his court challenge, disputing his election loss in November. He filed legal action in the Court of King’s Bench on November 27th. yesterday in court on Monday, Tacan agreed to acknowledge Bone as the winner.
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-Manitoba Pharmacare says its claims for Ozempic have skyrocketed in the last 4 years…says the latest provincial data. Ozempic claims, for 2 groups, the anti-obesity and the Type 2 diabetes medication, these claims rose by 70,723-patients, in a two year timespan. Right now, Ozempic, a popular weight loss drug, is only covered for Type 2 diabetes.
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-Canadian tourists are cancelling trips over concerns after the US strike on Venezuela last Saturday. And, Air Canada issued its own travel advisory Saturday for Venezuela and surrounding regions. The destinations in question are the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Right now, WestJet and Air Transat both say they are monitoring the situation.
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-Merry Ukrainian Christmas! Ukrainians in Brandon are celebrating Christmas through church services at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church. If you want to purchase traditional Ukrainian foods; local businesses like Multi Cook offer borscht, perogies, and cabbage rolls.
