Brandon Minute: Federal Election, Winter Fair, and a School Trustee Resignation

Brandon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Brandon politics

This Week In Brandon:

• There are no meetings of City Council this week. The next meeting will take place on April 7th.
  
  
• The 55th annual Royal Manitoba Winter Fair kicks off today at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, featuring a range of agricultural education programs, live entertainment, and over 300 exhibits. One highlight is a unique soil science display, an interactive exhibit from the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum. Operations Manager Kristen Breemersch shared that the exhibit spans 1,400 square feet and offers hands-on experiences. You purchase tickets and access the event schedule through the fair's website.
  
  
• "Prairie Thunder," a group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon, will feature contemporary Indigenous women artists connected to the prairies. The exhibition explores themes of kinship and healing, particularly focusing on mother-daughter relationships, using various art forms like textile, printmaking, painting, performance, photography, and film. The show includes works by artists from Cree, Métis, Anishinaabe, and Dakota communities. The opening reception on April 5th will feature a performance by Cheyenne Rain LeGrande and Cikwes, along with an introduction by local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Last Week In Brandon:

• Brandon University received a 2% increase to its base operating grant, adding $970,000 annually while keeping last year's $7.4 million allocation. The Province also provided $1.25 million for capital projects like building repairs and roof replacements, which was $500,000 more than previous years. University President David Docherty said the funding matches provincial increases for all post-secondary schools but noted ongoing financial challenges from fewer international students. While no new money was announced for major projects such as the Brodie Building renovation or medical school, Docherty remained hopeful about future support.
  
  
• Grant Jackson, former PC MLA for Spruce Woods, has resigned from his seat in the Manitoba Legislature to run as the Conservative candidate in the federal election in the riding of Brandon-Souris. This move follows the announcement by long-time MP Larry Maguire, who will not seek re-election due to a serious health condition. Jackson was personally asked by Maguire and the Conservative Party to step into the role. Despite Maguire’s departure, Brandon-Souris remains a solidly Conservative riding, and Jackson is expected to have a strong chance of winning. Meanwhile, Ghazanfar Ali Tarar has been acclaimed as the Liberal candidate. A business owner in Ninette, Tarar operates The Grocery Box and Domo gas station. Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Canada 20 years ago and has been involved in local business and politics, running for the Manitoba Liberal Party in the 2023 provincial election. Tarar’s priorities include senior care, youth job creation, healthcare improvement, and enhancing the Brandon Municipal Airport.
  
  
• Brandon School Division trustee Blaine Foley announced his resignation during the Board's meeting, ending his nearly four-and-a-half-year tenure. Foley cited his pursuit of a teaching career and the need to avoid professional conflicts as the reasons for stepping down. He plans to complete his education degree and transition into teaching, with hopes of securing a position within Brandon. His resignation will lead to a mandatory byelection to fill his seat, which will be scheduled after consultations with election officials.