-2 Brandon area Charities will benefit from new U.S. liquor sales. The Manitoba government plans to release some U.S. liquor products for sale at Christmas, and plans to donate up to $500,000 in proceeds to local charities. The Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, along with four other Manitoba charities- will reap the financial rewards. Nova Scotia is also donating to local charities in the same manner.
———-
-The City of Brandon is planning to increase fees for recreation, transit, waste, and marriage ceremonies by two to almost eight per cent. Brandon City Council will vote on the hikes December 15th, and will start in the new year, if approved.
———-
-Next year, Canadian families can expect to pay nearly $1,000 more on their groceries. Climate change, smaller cattle herds, and supply shortages, will drive the price up for fruits, vegetables, and meat. An increase of 4 to 6 per cent is projected.
———-
-The City of Brandon is applying for a grant to fund traffic lights at the corner of Richmond and 22nd street. The City hopes to have these “Half-signals” installed by next fall in order to make it safer for the large amount of students that cross it.
———-
-The city of Brandon’s planning commission approved seven street names for a new development in the city’s southwest corner. After last month’s meeting, City Council will vote on the names once the developer submits plans for the subdivision.
———-
-Manitoba’s MLA’s started their winter break, after their fall sitting in the Manitoba Legislature ended. Members won’t return until March, after 3 introduced bills await approval following heated debates, including protections for non-consensually shared images.
———-
-The Manitoba Government will add five new seats for Manitoban students to train as labratory and x-ray technologists in Saskatoon, starting in January. This will ensure rural areas have enough staff to get tests done. Brandon will also start its own 20-seat program in September of 2027.
———-
-The Manitoba Government and Labour Minister announced updated regulations for handling asbestos, now requiring certification and employer registration. At a Thursday news conference in Winnipeg, the province says stronger rules are needed to prevent deadly exposure, as it is still the leading cause of workplace-related deaths in Manitoba. Workers handling asbestos must be trained and certified by June 2027, and companies must register with the province.
———-
-Manitoba leaders and community members held a ceremony to honour the 14 women killed in the 1989 Montreal Massacre, and to raise awareness for gender-based violence. Families minister Nahanni Fontaine says “1989 was not the end, it was a warning of growing male violence” , pointing to Manitoba’s high rate of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The sunrise ceremony was held Thursday morning at the Manitoba Legislature.
