Manitoba seniors have reportedly paid over $15 million over the past three years in residential fees to hospitals while waiting for a space at a personal care home. In Prairie Mountain Health region, people have been charged almost $3 million in the past year. The government says it’s currently working to help ease the critical shortage of nursing home beds.
———-
For Manitoba school divisions, it’s a waiting game for provincial money to do needed repairs, and a report today says the amount of money required is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Brandon School Division says high on its list are heating systems for at least three schools. So, what’s the hold-up with funding? Increased costs for projects have created lengthier government approval processes.
———-
The province is building a new bridge over the Souris River on Highway 3 near Melita. The $19.6-million project will make the bridge wider and improve its capacity to withstand flooding. It’s expected to open next fall.
———-
Canada Post workers have voted overwhelmingly in support of strike action to back contract demands – they could be off the job on November 3rd if no deal is reached. Talks have been on-going for nearly a year, and
outstanding issues include wages and safe working conditions.
———-
If you’re wondering what the weather will be like tomorrow for Halloween, Environment Canada says it won’t be too cold in Brandon – maybe just a sweater or light jacket under the kids’ costumes. In the last decade,
Halloween temperatures have mostly stayed in the plus range.
———-
What are you spending on Halloween? A new poll found a quarter of Canadians will spend a hundred dollars or more. The average is around $68 which rises to nearly $122 among parents. 27% said they’re not spending a single dollar.
———-
Canada has fallen down the rankings of safest countries in the world to visit. We were number one in 2023, but are now in third. The Berkshire Hathaway report says Iceland is in top spot followed by Australia. So what should travellers be wary of in Canada? Apparently bears, wandering moose, wolves are widespread – and white-tailed deer are a road hazard.
