🏥 Cancer Care Debate Intensifies in Westman
Physician Retention Concerns Raised
The doctor at the centre of a growing discussion on cancer care in Westman says Manitoba could lose more specialists if changes aren’t made to support physician well-being and retention.
Province Plans Transition Support
Health officials say safeguards are in place to prevent treatment delays as the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre undergoes a physician transition. Additional oncology resources are expected to arrive this month, with a newly recruited specialist set to begin work in Brandon next month.
🏛️ New Brandon City Council to be Sworn In
Public Ceremony at City Hall
Brandon’s newly elected council will officially take office Monday evening during a public swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.
New and Returning Faces
Mayor Jeff Fawcett returns for another term, joined by Ron Shaluk in Ward 1, Deveryn Ross in Ward 2, Craig Shanks in Ward 3, and Norah Woychyshyn representing Ward 9.
🏠 Homebuyers Urged to Plan Ahead
Mortgage Rates Could Rise
Westman homebuyers are being advised to leave themselves some financial breathing room when shopping for a home. Centum Mortgage’s Naomi Hamm says buyers should consider the possibility that interest rates could rise from their current level of 2.5 per cent during the life of their mortgage.
Brandon Market Remains Affordable
Despite that caution, Hamm says it’s still a favourable time to purchase, with average home prices in Brandon typically ranging between $300,000 and $350,000.
🚔 Traffic Fatalities Climb Across Manitoba
Death Toll Up Sharply
RCMP Manitoba says 75 people have died in motor vehicle crashes so far this year, a figure that is 28 per cent higher than both last year and the province’s five-year average.
Risky Driving Behaviours a Major Factor
Police say many of the fatalities involved impairment, excessive speed, or the failure to use proper safety equipment.
🌺 Poppy Campaign Underway
Symbol of Remembrance Returns
Poppies are once again appearing on jackets and lapels as the annual Remembrance Day campaign gets underway across Canada.
Legion Promotes Respectful Wear
The Royal Canadian Legion is reminding Canadians to wear the poppy over the heart as a tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the country.
⏰ Manitobans Adjust to Year-Round Time
Darker Mornings, Brighter Evenings
With Manitoba now observing year-round time, residents are seeing later sunrises and more daylight after work.
Winter Solstice Approaches
In Brandon, the sun is currently rising around 8:30 a.m. and setting near 6:15 p.m., with roughly three minutes of daylight lost each day until the winter solstice on December 21.
🐄 Feed Testing Encouraged Ahead of Winter
Producers Asked to Know Their Inventory
Manitoba livestock producers are being reminded to take stock of their winter feed supplies before colder weather arrives.
Quality Checks Can Save Money
Agricultural specialists say feed testing now can help prevent costly feeding issues later, particularly after a growing season that featured both dry conditions and excess moisture.
🔥 Stittco Customers Face Higher Propane Bills
Rate Increase Starts November 1
Customers served by Stittco will notice higher propane costs following approval of a commodity rate increase by the Public Utilities Board.
Annual Costs Expected to Rise
The PUB estimates the average residential customer will pay approximately $221 more per year, representing an increase of about 12 per cent.
🇨🇦🇺🇸 Canada-U.S. Trade Deal Talks Advance
Leaders Signal Progress
A new trade agreement between Canada and the United States may be drawing closer after both Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump described recent discussions as productive.
Framework Reportedly Taking Shape
Trump told supporters in Iowa that negotiators have developed the framework of a deal and are moving toward a final agreement.
🌍 Middle East Diplomacy Continues
Region Remains on Edge
Concerns about broader conflict persist as negotiations involving Iran continue.
Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Situation
President Donald Trump says he recently held a “very good” phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as diplomatic efforts move forward.
🇫🇷 France Weighs New Riot Damage Penalties
Families Could Share Financial Responsibility
French lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow housing benefits to be reduced for families connected to individuals involved in riots.
Proposal Draws Criticism
Supporters argue the measure would increase accountability following unrest that caused more than $1 billion in damages, while human rights organizations have voiced concern over the plan.
🏒 Wheat Kings Split Weekend Homestand
Overtime Win Followed by Tough Loss
The Brandon Wheat Kings opened the weekend with a 3-2 overtime victory over Lethbridge before falling 7-2 to Swift Current on Sunday at ACU Place.
East Division Race Tightens
Despite the split, the Wheat Kings remain tied with Swift Current atop the East Division standings.
