💰 Budget Back on Track
Manitoba says it’s on pace to balance the budget next year, cutting its deficit nearly in half in the latest audited public accounts. The province also made its largest rainy‑day fund deposit in 20+ years and reported the lowest deficit among Canadian provinces at $832 million.
Both the NDP and PCs say cost of living will dominate debate as MLAs return to the chamber today. Healthcare and crime are also expected to be major flashpoints.
🧑🚒 New Role for Pankratz
Premier Wab Kinew is reshaping his front bench, naming David Pankratz as minister responsible for first responder initiatives — tackling burnout and PTSD. Pankratz is a former firefighter and now MLA for Waverley.
🏛️ PCs Enter Fall Sitting Without a Leader
The Progressive Conservatives begin the fall session without a leader after Obby Khan stepped down and left caucus. The party now holds 19 seats, compared with 34 for the governing NDP.
🧡 Orange Shirt Day Events Across Manitoba
More than 50 Orange Shirt Day events are planned tomorrow to honour residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home. In Brandon, gatherings at the Riverbank Discovery Centre will focus on reflection, education and reconciliation. A full schedule is available on our website.
🪶 Brandon Residential School Site Transfer
A site believed to contain the graves of dozens of children from the former Brandon Indian Residential School is expected to be transferred to provincial ownership. The announcement aligns with Truth and Reconciliation Day events, including an Orange Shirt Day walk and the unveiling of a permanent monument by Premier Wab Kinew.
🌿 Healing Spaces at Riverbank
Brandon’s Pathways Home is helping centre healing at Truth and Reconciliation Day events. The group says cultural activities and dedicated spaces for survivors will promote connection, support and reconciliation throughout the day.
👥 New Supports for Youth Leaving Care
Manitoba is investing $1.7 million to launch new supports for youth transitioning out of Child and Family Services. The province says the changes will streamline access to income assistance and connect 650+ young adults a year with housing, financial and community supports.
🇨🇦 Ford Calls for Unity Ahead of Alberta Vote
With Alberta’s sovereignty referendum approaching, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Albertans to stay in the federation, saying Canada is “stronger together” during remarks in Calgary.
🌾 Harvest Slow and Challenging
Manitoba farmers continue to battle a wet, delayed harvest. The latest crop report shows progress at 43% complete, with repeated rainfall, heavy dews and wet fields slowing combines. Producers are also dealing with sprouting, lodging and quality concerns. Yields are generally average to above average, but farmers are hoping for a stretch of dry weather to limit further losses.
🥫 Food Rescue Moving to New Home
Brandon’s Food Rescue is relocating to a larger building at the former Prairie Oasis Centre on 8th Street. Michelle Lemoine with the John Howard Society says they’re down to the final details and expect to open within about a week, though no official date is set.
🗳️ Isleifson Talks Momentum in Mayoral Race
Brandon mayoral candidate Len Isleifson told Brandon Area REALTORS® he wants to build momentum that gets people talking positively about the Wheat City. He says his goals include making Brandon a place people want to visit, invest in and call home.
Brandon voters head to the polls October 28.
🌐 Global & National News
🍷 U.S. Alcohol Ban Targets Canadian Imports
U.S. trade restrictions are targeting nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, with alcoholic beverages accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the affected goods.
Analysts say the move could be painful for specific industries but is unlikely to significantly slow Canada’s overall economic growth in the short term.
📈 Canadian Economy Stalls in July
Canada’s economy barely moved in July, as gains in construction and utilities were offset by declines in manufacturing, retail trade and mining.
Statistics Canada says GDP was essentially unchanged following a strong second quarter of growth.
