🎙️ Fawcett, Isleifson Set for Mayoral Showdown Tonight
Brandon’s mayoral race takes centre stage tonight as incumbent Jeff Fawcett and former Brandon East MLA Len Isleifson meet in a public debate at Brandon University’s Lorne Watson Hall.
The debate begins at 6 p.m. and will be moderated by political columnist and financial advisor Kerri Auriat. Panelists include political science professor Kelly Saunders, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Emilio Brown, and Brandon Sun reporter Alex Lambert.
🏥 Services Returning Following Dauphin Flood Closure
Prairie Mountain Health says several key services have now been restored at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre following this summer’s devastating flooding.
The hospital closed July 1 due to flood damage, but emergency department services and some palliative care beds are among the programs now operating again. PMH says plans for restoring cancer care closer to home are still being developed.
⚡Province Touts Hydro Savings Through New Data Centre Levy
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation aimed at lowering Hydro bills by imposing a new levy on large cryptocurrency operations and AI data centres.
Finance Minister Adrian Sala says the measure could save residential customers roughly $50 annually. The bill would also return the Workers Compensation Board to provincial financial reporting, a move the government says will improve transparency and accountability.
🚸 Safety Council Highlights Risks Around Schools
National School Safety Week runs October 17 to 23, and the Canada Safety Council is encouraging motorists to slow down and stay alert around schools.
More than 30 per cent of Canadian children walk or bike to school, while distracted driving, speeding, and congested drop-off zones continue to create safety concerns. The organization says safe school days begin before students reach the classroom.
🩺Chamber, PMH Focus on Attracting Health Professionals
Recruiting and retaining health-care workers was the focus of Thursday’s Brandon Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate said many professionals arriving from larger centres are impressed by the quality of life available in western Manitoba. She said the region also continues to attract international health-care workers and emphasized the need to better promote what Westman has to offer.
Chamber president Emilio Brown said the business community has an important role to play in helping attract new health-care professionals and encouraging them to build long-term careers in the region.
☕ Breakfast With the Candidates Coming Wednesday
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s next major election event is set for Wednesday morning at the Victoria Inn.
The Breakfast with the Mayoral Candidates begins at 7 a.m. Brown says the event will feature a fireside-chat atmosphere while still tackling difficult questions submitted by Chamber members. Registration is required, with the deadline set for Monday at 11:30 a.m.
🌳 Federal Funding to Add 470 Trees at Sports Complex
The City of Brandon has secured more than $67,000 in federal funding to plant approximately 470 trees at the Canada Packers Sports Complex.
Officials say the project will expand the city’s urban canopy, provide additional shade, and enhance one of Brandon’s busiest outdoor recreation destinations for athletes, families, and visitors.
⚖️ Single-Use Plastics Ban Heads to Supreme Court
The federal government’s ban on single-use plastics is now before the Supreme Court of Canada.
The case centres on Ottawa’s 2022 decision to classify plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Industry groups argue the government lacked sufficient evidence to justify the designation.
🏠 CREA Lowers 2026 Housing Forecast
Canada’s housing market continues to cool, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Home sales have fallen for a third consecutive quarter, prompting CREA to revise its 2026 forecast. The association now predicts annual sales will decline 5.2 per cent year over year, a sharper drop than previously expected.
🏈 Toxicology Results in Dalke Crash to Remain Private
Saskatchewan RCMP say toxicology results from the fatal crash that killed Roughriders player Jayden Dalke will not be released.
Police cite provincial privacy laws relating to personal health information. Dalke and another driver died in the collision near Lumsden earlier this year.
🇨🇦 Carney Campaigns Ahead of Alberta Vote
Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Alberta today as campaigning continues ahead of Monday’s referendum.
Carney is making appearances in Red Deer and Edmonton while Premier Danielle Smith also urges voters to remain in Confederation. The prime minister says Alberta’s concerns are valid but warns separation would come at a significant economic cost and could delay opportunities for the province.
