Tuesday marks the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which recognizes residential school survivors and those who never made it home. Also known as ‘Orange Shirt Day’, most of the week’s events in Brandon will be held on the Riverbank Discovery Centre grounds. Last year, September 30th became a provincial statutory holiday.
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Some big retailers have tapped Indigenous artists from across Canada to design their T-shirts for Orange Shirt Day with proceeds going to Indigenous organizations. Anishinaabe artist Jenny Kay Dupuis worked with Winners and Marshalls Canada to design a shirt she says speaks to remembering what was lost, and how Indigenous cultures are being revitalized.
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Drought is being blamed for a $63-million loss at Manitoba Hydro. This compares to a $157 million loss the previous fiscal year. Hydro’s CEO says low water levels once again led to less energy being available to sell in wholesale markets, and power needed to be imported to meet provincial demand.
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Manitoba Hydro and overspending on health-care were partly responsible for a higher-than-expected provincial deficit in the last year. It’s sitting at $1.1-billion – $353-million more than the government had originally planned. The province also took hits from U.S. tariffs, and this year’s forest fire season cost $179 million.
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While letter mail and parcels will not be processed during the Canada Post strike, carriers will continue delivering Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Canada Child Tax Benefit payments. If you urgently need a passport, you’re encouraged to visit the nearest passport office or Service Canada location. There’s no word when contract talks might resume.
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Brandon’s New Era School has received a $12,000 grant from a national music charity that’ll help replace broken instruments and create an inclusive music program. The MusiCounts Band Aid Program will invest over a million dollars this year to 85 schools across Canada.
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Doctors are urging everyone to get vaccinated as flu season approaches – especially young children, seniors and those at high risk of severe illness from influenza. Manitoba’s flu shot program is to begin in mid-October.
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Brandon’s Sportsplex arena is scheduled to re-open this Wednesday. The rink was closed for over two years for repairs than included installing a new ice plant. A grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for October 11th featuring free public skating and disco skating with a DJ.
