Brandon is now under a Winter Storm Warning. Environment Canada says we can expect a mix of rain and freezing rain this morning turning to snow and blowing snow that will last through Wednesday. 5 to 15 cm of snow is expected with the highest amounts in the Parkland region. Expect hazardous driving conditions, and non-essential travel is not recommended.
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The Brandon Police Service is reportedly having a tough time recruiting officers. They should have around 110 members but currently sit at 91, so they’re offering signing bonuses and paid training to get more applications flowing in. The signing bonus is $12,500 – and recruiting for the on-the-job training class is underway until the end of the month.
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The Canada Border Services Agency has announced changes to operating hours at land crossings nationwide – including in Manitoba. The Boissevain crossing is not affected, but hours will be cut at Cartwright, Coulter, Goodlands and Lena. The Agency says this will allow officers to be deployed to busier ports of entry.
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Manitoba MLA’s return to the Legislature today. Lt.-Governor Anita Neville will open the session this afternoon with a reading of the Speech from the Throne. It’ll outline the government’s main priorities for the upcoming year.
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The Manitoba government is providing funding to nearly 40 organizations to help improve accessibility in the province. Brandon organizations receiving funding include the United Way, Westman Media Co-op and the YWCA. This is the third year the province has funded projects through its Manitoba Accessibility Fund grant program.
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Despite a strike by Canada Post workers the latest child benefits will be going out on Wednesday. The Corporation and the union have a special agreement to make sure the cheques are delivered. Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Veterans Pension payments will also be delivered.
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Canada’s inflation rate rose to 2% in October – up from 1.6% in September. Grocery prices increased at a faster pace again, led by higher prices for fresh vegetables, while rents and mortgage price growth eased somewhat.
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Youth unemployment in Canada is at a level not seen in a decade. A new report says more than 850,000 Canadians under the age of 29 are unemployed and without any post-secondary education or training – which could cost the country billions in the future. The jobless rate for those aged 18 to 24 was almost 13% in October.
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Teenage Canadian boys have given up spritzing themselves with Axe Body Spray and have moved up to the good stuff – cologne’s by Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford. Shoppers Drug Mart says men’s fragrance sales have seen double digit increases. One reason is social media influencers promoting higher end fragrances.
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The winner of a huge Grey Cup 50/50 prize hasn’t claimed it yet. The ticket was purchased at BC Place in Vancouver and is worth $434,405. The other half goes to amateur football in BC. The winner has one year to claim the jackpot.
