Brandon Minute: Issue 70

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

📅 This Week In Brandon: 📅

• A byelection has been called for August 26th in Spruce Woods, a longtime Progressive Conservative stronghold in southwestern Manitoba. The seat has been vacant since former MLA Grant Jackson resigned in March to run federally. The NDP, currently riding high in the polls, are hoping to make inroads in the rural riding, which includes part of Brandon and several smaller communities. Premier Wab Kinew has made repeated visits to the area in recent weeks, announcing new funding for roads, health care, and housing. The Progressive Conservatives have nominated Colleen Robbins, while the NDP are running Brandon realtor Ray Berthelette and the Liberals have put forward Stephen Reid. A win for the NDP would be symbolic, marking a breakthrough in a region that has consistently voted conservative. While the NDP already hold a majority, the race could test the party’s reach outside of Winnipeg and the north.
  
  
• Residents in Brandon’s Centennial area are pushing back against a proposed 35-metre cellphone tower at 1009 34th Street, with concerns centered on health, property values, and lack of adequate public consultation. Residents have been signing two petitions - one opposing the tower and another calling for a City policy requiring at least 100 metres between towers and homes. The proposal was triggered after a wireless carrier lost access to a previous tower and is seeking to maintain service levels. Some residents argue that the City’s notification and engagement processes are inadequate. Currently, Brandon has no minimum distance requirements for towers, though the policy is under review. The federal government will make the final decision on the tower’s approval, informed by City staff recommendations and public feedback.
  
  
• Const. Moshe Linov of the Brandon Police Service has been awarded the Order of the Buffalo Hunt for his heroic response to a violent sword attack at Neelin High School in June. Premier Wab Kinew presented the honour to Linov, who responded within minutes to stop the assault and prevent further harm. A fifteen-year-old was seriously injured in the attack, which police say targeted immigrants and people of colour. Linov said he was simply doing his job and credited the trust built between police and schools. Brandon’s police chief called his actions heroic and praised the rapid, coordinated response of all first responders. The teen accused in the attack faces several charges, including attempted murder and hate-motivated violence. Families and school staff were also recognized for their quick actions that helped save lives.
  
  
• Maple Leaf Foods and McCain Foods will receive major funding boosts as part of a $6-million provincial initiative to upgrade food processing facilities across Manitoba. Announced Wednesday in Brandon by Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, the funding will support 19 companies, with over $1 million going to Maple Leaf’s Brandon plant and $2.5 million to McCain’s Carberry facility. The investment is aimed at enhancing efficiency, modernizing equipment, and increasing production capacity, especially in light of international trade challenges. Maple Leaf plans to use the funding to upgrade its split saws, boosting both speed and yield. The Brandon plant currently processes about 16,000 pigs daily. The federal government is covering 60% of the funding. Officials emphasized the importance of supporting both large-scale and family-run operations to ensure Manitoba’s agri-food sector remains strong, competitive, and resilient in the face of global uncertainty.
  
  
• Manitoba Public Insurance has boosted the number of Driver Z program spots in Brandon by 50%, increasing availability from 144 to 216. The change comes in response to high demand, which has previously seen parents lining up overnight. Rural areas are also seeing a 23% increase in capacity.  Despite the short-term improvements, MPI says a lack of certified instructors remains the main barrier to long-term expansion. The agency is actively recruiting new instructors and may revive the former school-based model if feasible. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The provincial byelection for the Spruce Woods seat outside Brandon will take place on August 26th.

If you or any family members live in Spruce Woods (or you aren't sure if you do) the information you need to find out and vote is at the link below:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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