Local Education & Community
Assiniboine College Renames School of Nursing
Assiniboine College has officially renamed its nursing program the Edna Edwards School of Nursing, honouring the late nurse’s lifelong contributions to Manitoba healthcare. The announcement comes alongside a $4‑million donation from Russ Edwards to support student training, research, and financial aid for future nurses.
Moose Hide Campaign Walk This Afternoon
Assiniboine College and the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council are hosting a Moose Hide Campaign walk at Princess Park this afternoon. Kris Desjarlais, director of Indigenous Education, is inviting local politicians and business leaders attending the chamber luncheon to join. The annual walks take place across Canada to raise awareness and end violence against women and children.
Habitat for Humanity Builds Progressing
The Brandon chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building two new homes on Stickney Avenue. The homes are expected to be completed by the end of the summer, slightly later than first planned. Work on the final build in the Franklin development is also set to begin before summer ends.
Weather & Fire Risk
Crossover Weather Hits Westman
Southwestern Manitoba saw crossover conditions Wednesday afternoon — temperatures above 20°C paired with humidity below 20%. This hot, dry combination is a major red flag for fire crews, making any spark difficult to control.
Fire Restrictions Across the Region
With little rain and increasingly dry conditions, Cornwallis, Whitehead, and Elton continue to enforce fire restrictions. Several other southwestern and south‑central Manitoba municipalities remain under full bans. A complete list is available here.
Wind Warning for Brandon Area
A wind warning is in effect today, with strong gusts expected to cause reduced visibility and potential damage, especially on open roads. Winds are expected to ease early this evening.
Local Crime & Public Safety
Break‑In on Queens Crescent
Brandon Police say a 19‑year‑old woman broke into the wrong house early Wednesday morning — while the homeowners were awake. Officers arrested the intoxicated suspect on scene. She will appear in court on July 16, 2026.
Economy & Housing
Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises
Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.9% in April, up 0.2 points from March. Statistics Canada reports slower hiring across several sectors as the labour market continues to cool.
Housing Prices Ease Nationally
Housing costs are softening in some of Canada’s priciest markets. The national average home price sits around $673,000, while Manitoba remains closer to $405,000, with prices still inching upward.
Bank of Canada Watching Inflation Closely
Newly released minutes show the Bank of Canada is monitoring inflation dynamics carefully, warning that rapid shifts could impact the economy with little notice. The next interest rate decision is scheduled for Thursday, June 4.
Local Business & Industry
Premier Kinew Addresses Chamber Luncheon
Premier Wab Kinew will headline today’s Brandon Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Keystone Centre, delivering his State of the Province address. The Chamber says the keynote will focus on Manitoba’s economic direction, growth plans, and what’s ahead for the Westman region.
Behlen Industries Helps Build Major AI Data Centre
Brandon’s own Behlen Industries is contributing to one of Canada’s largest AI and high‑performance computing data centres in Regina. The massive structure will be pre‑engineered in Westman and assembled on site.
Events & Community Life
Cruise Night Returns to Rosser Avenue
Cruise Night is back tonight on Rosser Avenue. Organizers say the format remains the same — shine up your ride, bring it downtown, and show it off. The event begins at 6:00 p.m.
Carberry Opens 2026 Summer Day Camp Registration
Carberry has opened registration for its 2026 summer day camps, running weekly from July 6 to August 28 at the Carberry Plains Community Centre. Kids will have access to full‑day activities using the pool, arena, and bowling alley.
Health
Nursing Regulator Issues Apology
Manitoba’s nursing regulator has issued an apology for discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. The College of Registered Nurses says it is developing a reconciliation plan that includes bringing more Indigenous voices into the profession.
World Vaccine Day: New Poll Shows Hesitancy
A new poll suggests 1 in 4 Canadians are declining recommended vaccines, often due to concerns about side effects. Researchers say addressing those concerns directly is key to improving public health messaging.
International
Extreme Heatwave in South Asia
A severe heatwave is gripping parts of Pakistan and India, with temperatures soaring past 46°C. Power grids and hospitals are under strain as the region faces one of its hottest periods of the year.
Trump and Xi Meet in Beijing
U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping met in Beijing for high‑level talks on trade, AI, and global security. Both sides described the meeting as constructive, though no major breakthroughs were announced.
