Westman Morning News Roundup
Health care concerns, local crime, civic leadership and federal policy dominate the headlines across Western Manitoba
🏥 Cancer Care Recruitment Questions Continue in Brandon
Questions remain about physician recruitment in Westman following the province’s announcement that a new oncologist has been hired for Brandon.
Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen says additional support may have helped ease workloads and encouraged current specialist Dr. Michael Anderson to remain in the role. The province says additional oncology resources will be in place this month, with the newly recruited specialist expected to begin work next month.
Meanwhile, cancer patients are voicing support for Dr. Brady Anderson ahead of his departure from the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, praising the care he provided and calling for increased resources. Anderson has warned that physician burnout and heavy workloads could drive more specialists out of Manitoba if retention efforts are not strengthened.
♿ BNRC Launching Affordable Medical Equipment Program
The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is preparing to launch a new social enterprise aimed at making mobility equipment more affordable.
The initiative, called Mobility Renewal, will refurbish and resell gently used medical equipment at roughly 20 per cent of current market prices. Executive Director Karra Burney says sales are expected to begin before the end of the year.
💉 Flu Shot Campaign Underway Across Manitoba
Flu shot season is officially underway in Manitoba.
Health officials say free influenza vaccines are now available for all Manitobans six months of age and older, with pharmacies and clinics also offering updated COVID-19 vaccinations.
🏛️ New Terms Begin at City Hall and Brandon School Division
A new four-year term is underway for Brandon City Council after members were officially sworn in.
Mayor Jeff Fawcett says the city’s priorities remain focused on growth, partnerships and delivering results for residents. Four new councillors join a group of returning members around the council table.
At the Brandon School Division, trustees have also begun a new term. Linda Ross was re-elected chair by acclamation, while Kirk Carr was elected vice-chair after a second ballot.
🚔 Police Investigating Assault, Vandalism and Arson Cases
A 67-year-old Brandon man is facing assault charges after police say he struck another patron with a cane inside a local business late last week. The victim suffered injuries to the head and arm.
Meanwhile, a 16-year-old has been charged after several homes in Brandon’s east end were spray-painted over the weekend. Police say the teen admitted responsibility for three of the five reported incidents.
Brandon Police have also charged a 31-year-old man with arson after a Halloween morning shed fire in the 1100 block of Eighth Street. Investigators used surveillance footage and evidence from the scene to identify the suspect, who is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 21.
💼 Federal Budget to Target Business Investment
The federal government says small and medium-sized businesses will play a major role in attracting one trillion dollars in private investment.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says Thursday’s federal budget will include measures aimed at simplifying tax rules and encouraging companies to invest and expand.
🌎 Immigration Targets Due Thursday
Ottawa will release its latest immigration levels plan as part of Thursday’s federal budget.
Current targets call for 380,000 permanent residents annually, while additional pathways remain available for some temporary residents seeking permanent status.
🚗 Traffic Fatalities Rise in Brandon
Brandon Police say nearly 400 traffic collisions have been reported so far in 2026, including two fatal crashes.
That’s a significant increase from last year, when more than 475 collisions were reported but no traffic-related deaths occurred.
🌾 Feed Testing Urged for Manitoba Livestock Producers
With harvest wrapping up and winter approaching, Manitoba livestock producers are being encouraged to test feed supplies before winter feeding begins.
Agriculture experts say feed quality varied considerably across the province this growing season because of changing weather conditions, and testing now can help producers avoid costly nutritional deficiencies later in the winter months.
