📰 Westman Morning News Roundup | November 6, 2026
🇨🇦 Federal Budget Focuses on Housing, Affordability and Growth
The federal government has unveiled a budget centered on affordability, housing and economic growth, while continuing to run sizable deficits. The spending plan includes billions for housing, homelessness initiatives, infrastructure, energy and defence, with Prime Minister Mark Carney pitching the measures as a path toward greater Canadian self-reliance.
Opposition parties argue the budget falls short on affordability, while the NDP has criticized its focus on business tax incentives. The budget also introduces a new May 15 tax filing deadline beginning in 2028.
🏛️ Sala Touts Budget Progress in Oak Lake
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala told municipal leaders in Oak Lake that the province is making progress toward balancing the budget while continuing to invest in key priorities.
RM of Sifton councillor Scott Phillips, who hosted the meeting, said Sala’s message was well received. Phillips stressed that regional cooperation will be critical as municipalities take on large infrastructure and emergency management challenges with limited resources.
🎟️ Lotto Max Players Eye “Lucky” Numbers Before $50 Million Draw
With a $50 million Lotto Max jackpot on the line tonight, many players are taking a closer look at historical draw trends.
A new analysis shows number 28 has become the most-drawn number in game history, overtaking longtime favourite number 7 after 17 years of Lotto Max draws. Experts caution, however, that every number has exactly the same odds of being selected regardless of past results.
📺 Canadians Rethinking Their Streaming Subscriptions
A new Angus Reid poll suggests Canadians are becoming more selective about streaming services as monthly costs rise.
More than one-third of respondents say they’ve cancelled at least one streaming subscription in the past six months, with cost being the primary reason. The survey also indicates traditional television continues to lose viewers, while many consumers feel streaming services no longer provide the value they once did.
🏥 Prairie Mountain Health Deficit Cut Nearly in Half
Prairie Mountain Health says its financial picture is improving, with its deficit dropping by nearly 50 per cent over the past year.
The health authority continues to add staff while moving ahead with major projects, including Brandon’s new neonatal intensive care unit and the replacement hospital in Neepawa.
👶 New NICU Planned for Brandon Regional Health Centre
Construction of a new neonatal intensive care unit at Brandon Regional Health Centre remains on track for completion in 2028.
The upgraded unit will feature specialized treatment areas, a breast milk preparation room and direct access to labour and delivery services, allowing more families to receive advanced care closer to home.
🎓 Prairie Hope High School Expansion Moving Forward
The Brandon School Division has issued a request for proposals for an expansion of Prairie Hope High School.
Plans call for four additional classrooms and three counsellor offices. The site will also host the division’s new after-school initiative, known as the NorthStar Project.
🏘️ Rent Declines Slow as Toronto and Vancouver Rebound
Average asking rents across Canada fell 3.2 per cent in October compared to a year ago, but new signs suggest the rental market may be tightening in some major cities.
Toronto and Vancouver have both seen rents begin rising again, with average monthly apartment costs approaching $2,600 and $2,800 respectively.
🌿 Green Cart Pickup Season Comes to an End
This week’s collections mark the end of Brandon’s green cart season.
While registrations are closed until spring, residents can continue dropping off yard and food waste at the Eastview Residential Diversion Depot throughout the winter months.
🌾 Beef Industry Focused on Building Resilience
Weather extremes, trade uncertainty and rising production costs continue to challenge Canada’s beef industry.
Industry leaders say expanding the national cattle herd and strengthening business risk-management programs will be essential to keeping Canadian beef competitive and resilient in the years ahead.
🚛 Trucking Company Shut Down Following Brandon Crash Investigation
A Manitoba trucking company has been ordered off the road after investigators found it was connected to the carrier involved in a deadly semi-truck crash in Brandon.
Provincial regulators say the company can no longer operate regulated vehicles in Manitoba following the investigation into the affiliation.
📊 Canada’s Jobless Rate Climbs to 6.7%
Statistics Canada reports the national unemployment rate rose to 6.7 per cent in October as more Canadians searched for work.
The country has lost a combined 110,000 jobs over the previous two months, while wholesale and retail trade led October losses with 29,000 positions eliminated.
🇺🇸 U.S. Job Market Beats Expectations
South of the border, the American economy added 165,000 jobs last month, outperforming economist forecasts.
Healthcare, finance and manufacturing posted gains, while the U.S. unemployment rate remained low at 4.1 per cent.
🚗 Operation Red Nose Returns to Brandon
A holiday tradition is set to return as Operation Red Nose begins recruiting volunteers for its first season in two years.
Organizers are also planning a retro-themed fundraiser social on November 28 at the Dome Building, with proceeds helping support the safe-ride program’s return to local roads. Anyone interested in volunteering can register at the Dome Building during regular office hours.
