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Violence in the workplace on the rise, labour group says

By Michele McDougall 6 minute read Preview

Violence in the workplace on the rise, labour group says

By Michele McDougall 6 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

With flags flapping in the light breeze outside Brandon’s city hall Sunday morning, more than 50 people gathered for the National Day of Mourning ceremony, to remember the Manitobans who died last year after suffering injuries or illness at work.

In Manitoba, there were 23 workers who died on the job in 2023 because of working conditions or succumbing to diseases or health problems brought on by using hazardous materials years earlier, according to Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

“These are everyday workers who do all kinds of jobs,” said Rebeck. “Certainly, some are more dangerous and hazardous than others — fire department and construction — but people in all walks of life have passed away from workplace tragedies over the last year,” Rebeck said.

A trend that continues to increase, Rebeck added, is the number of injuries caused by violence in the workplace.

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3:00 AM CDT

Carol Grant, a front-line healthcare worker at Brandon Regional Health Centre (centre) took part in the National Day of Mourning ceremony held outside Brandon City Hall on Sunday by reading some of the names of Manitobans who died last year after suffering injuries or illness at work. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)
Carol Grant, a front-line healthcare worker at Brandon Regional Health Centre (centre) took part in the National Day of Mourning ceremony held outside Brandon City Hall on Sunday by reading some of the names of Manitobans who died last year after suffering injuries or illness at work. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)

Therapy dog grads ready to make their rounds

By Michele McDougall 5 minute read Preview

Therapy dog grads ready to make their rounds

By Michele McDougall 5 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

There are seven new graduates of a Westman therapy program that will soon be visiting personal care homes, hospitals, schools and businesses — now that they’ve mastered how to sit, heel, and socialize.

The St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program is always looking for dogs and their handlers who are good together as a team and are comfortable in situations with people of all ages, from an audience of one to a large and noisy crowd.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program — that has almost 30 years of proven success across the province, was put on pause in the Wheat City. But it’s now back up and running said Jodee Webster with Brandon St. John Ambulance.

“It’s an amazing program,” Webster said. “We typically send our therapy dogs out for an hour and a half to hospitals, care homes and schools. We have one dog that goes to Riverheights School and one that goes to Dinsdale, the personal care home. But we need more, we’re starting at ground zero, and that’s why we had the weekend evaluations.”

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3:00 AM CDT

Rochelle Preston and Finnegan O’Reilly, her two-year-old Irish wolfhound with Claire Mackley from the St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program. Mackley is an evaluator with the program and is judging to see how Finnegan reacts to scenarios he would face in hospital, personal care home or school. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)
Rochelle Preston and Finnegan O’Reilly, her two-year-old Irish wolfhound with Claire Mackley from the St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program. Mackley is an evaluator with the program and is judging to see how Finnegan reacts to scenarios he would face in hospital, personal care home or school. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)

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Brandon Police Service.

Impaired driving; mischief; concealed weapon

By Michele McDougall 3 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

Driver hits police car

Police say a 29-year-old man, with three times the legal limit of blood alcohol in his system, collided with a police car at a grocery store on Friday afternoon.

At about 1:30 p.m., a Brandon police officer responded to the Richmond Avenue Co-op for a call of an impaired driver.

According to police, when the officer approached the vehicle backed into the police car, causing minor damage.

Looking Back — April 29, 2024

3 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

SIXTY YEARS AGO

It will cost $1.25 to have a haircut tomorrow. Brandon barbers are increasing all their prices by 25 cents May 1 — the first increase in eight years.

Well-known Brandon businessman Harold Crystal died in Rochester, Minn., yesterday. He was 61. Crystal was born in Brandon, the son of a pioneer family. He was formerly associated with the Crystal Hotel operation and at the time of his death was president of Crystal Brothers Ltd., a real-estate holding company.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Newcomers have a ball at soccer event

By Michele McDougall 3 minute read Preview

Newcomers have a ball at soccer event

By Michele McDougall 3 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

A day of drills, instruction, fair play, and fun were all part of an introduction to soccer event held on Sunday in the indoor fieldhouse at the Wheat City Golf Course.

The free event for new Canadian kids aged 10 to 14 years old was hosted by Brandon United Football Cooperative, a soccer club and academy, said the club’s president Rodrigo Riquelme.

“We are trying to encourage and develop improvements in community and in soccer,” Riquelme said.

“I was looking for support for newcomer kids to introduce them to soccer, so I applied for a Canada Soccer grant that was offered to us through Manitoba Soccer,” he said.

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3:00 AM CDT

A free introduction to soccer event was held Sunday at the indoor fieldhouse at the Wheat City golf course, for kids aged 10 to 14 years old, hosted by Brandon United Football Cooperative, with support from Westman Immigrant Services. (Photos by Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)
A free introduction to soccer event was held Sunday at the indoor fieldhouse at the Wheat City golf course, for kids aged 10 to 14 years old, hosted by Brandon United Football Cooperative, with support from Westman Immigrant Services. (Photos by Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)

This Week on Campus — April 29, 2024

3 minute read Preview

This Week on Campus — April 29, 2024

3 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

BRANDON UNIVERSITY

The spring term is right around the corner, with classes beginning on May 6. For those students who have completed their programs in the past year, Convocation is coming up later this month. Science, Music and Education graduation ceremonies will take place on May 30, followed by Health Studies and Arts on May 31.

Join us to learn one of the fastest-growing sports in North America at a learn-and-play pickleball session in May. Sessions will focus on learning the basic rules while incorporating game play. Choose from May 7 and 9, May 14 and 16, May 21 and 23 or May 25 and 26. Register at HealthyLivingCentre.ca.

The Lorne Watson Recital Hall will host the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition in strings, from May 10 to 12. Five finalists are in the running for the coveted prize. More information, including ticket details, is available at E-Gre.ca.

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3:00 AM CDT

People gather on the Brandon University campus. (File)
People gather on the Brandon University campus. (File)

1 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

FRIDAY’S LUCKY NUMBERS

LOTTO MAX: 2, 3, 23, 36, 38, 40, 48 BONUS 42

WESTERN: 8, 9, 16, 39, 43, 45, 46 BONUS 29

PICK 2: 2, 3

Sun editor, photographer win National Newspaper Awards

2 minute read Preview

Sun editor, photographer win National Newspaper Awards

2 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

The Brandon Sun took home a pair of National Newspaper Awards in Toronto last night.

Editor Matt Goerzen received the Claude Ryan Award for Editorial Writing and photojournalist Tim Smith came first in the feature photo category.

Goerzen won for his editorials on Brandon’s growth on LGBTQIA+ rights, the changes required after the collision near Carberry last June that led to the death of 17 seniors, and why deficit numbers can’t always be trusted. He beat out fellow finalists Chris Hannay of the Globe and Mail and Lauren Heuser of Canadian Affairs.

Smith, now a three-time NNA winner in the feature photo category, won for his colourful photo of women washing windows at the CanAm Hutterite Colony east of Minto, with the glass creating their mirror-images. Other finalists in the category were Darren Calabrese of Canadian Press and Leah Henne of Reuters.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Brandon Sun editor Matt Goerzen won the National Newspaper Award for editorial writing. (File)
Brandon Sun editor Matt Goerzen won the National Newspaper Award for editorial writing. (File)

Chief public servant talks mission to D.C.

By Colin Slark 4 minute read Preview

Chief public servant talks mission to D.C.

By Colin Slark 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

The head of Manitoba’s civil service provided some insight into the provincial government’s recent trade mission to Washington, D.C., during a keynote address in Brandon on Friday.

Sarah Thiele, Manitoba’s clerk of the executive council and the secretary for the provincial cabinet, spoke about what she heard on the trip while addressing those attending Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ inaugural leadership summit at the Victoria Inn.

She joined other representatives including past premier and Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Gary Doer and Premier Wab Kinew on the trip earlier this month.

After discussing the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming presidential election this fall, Thiele said the Manitoba delegation wanted to make clear that this province is a reliable trading partner no matter who’s in government.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Manitoba’s clerk of the executive council, Sarah Thiele, gives a keynote address during Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ first leadership summit on Friday morning. Thiele spoke about her history in the provincial public service, the role of administrators and provided some insights into Manitoba’s recent trade delegation to Washington, D.C. (Colin Slark/The Brandon Sun)
Manitoba’s clerk of the executive council, Sarah Thiele, gives a keynote address during Manitoba Municipal Administrators’ first leadership summit on Friday morning. Thiele spoke about her history in the provincial public service, the role of administrators and provided some insights into Manitoba’s recent trade delegation to Washington, D.C. (Colin Slark/The Brandon Sun)

Beer tasting festival tonight ‘for a good cause overall’

By Charlotte McConkey 2 minute read Preview

Beer tasting festival tonight ‘for a good cause overall’

By Charlotte McConkey 2 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

The Brandon Sunset Rotary Club is hosting its 12th annual Beer Tasting Festival fundraiser in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn from 7-10 p.m. tonight. Funds raised from ticket sales will be donated to the YWCA Westman women’s shelter, local arts scholarships and youth programs.

Club president David Lopez said the event is more than just a regular fundraiser, but a way for people to get out and socialize.

“It helps the local breweries as well as those that are from other provinces nearby when it comes to marketing for them to get local support, and it’s for a good cause overall,” Lopez said.

The fundraiser will feature local breweries like Section 6 Brewing Co., Black Wheat Brewing and Farmery Estate Brewery. There will also be cocktails and non-alcoholic options available. Light food options will also be provided.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

The Brandon Sunset Rotary Club presents the 12th annual Brandon Beer Tasting Festival tonight in the Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn. (File)
The Brandon Sunset Rotary Club presents the 12th annual Brandon Beer Tasting Festival tonight in the Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn. (File)

Foreigner’s Historic Farewell Tour to hit Brandon

By Michele McDougall 6 minute read Preview

Foreigner’s Historic Farewell Tour to hit Brandon

By Michele McDougall 6 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

When most rock and roll fans hear the songs “Juke Box Hero,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” and “Cold As Ice,” it’s almost immediate — even “Urgent” — that they’ll recognize Foreigner, the band that is bringing those hits and a few more to Brandon on May 14.

Foreigner has had five platinum records, which means sales of more than one million, and have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

Today, there are seven members of Foreigner. Guitarist Mick Jones is the only original since the band was formed in 1976 with six on stage.

Jones is joined by lead singer Kelly Hansen, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado on guitar, Jeff Pilson on bass and Chris Frazier on drums.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Members of the rock band Foreigner, from left: Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Kelly Hansen, Jeff Pilson, Luis Maldonado and Chris Frazier. Not pictured is Mick Jones. (Submitted)
Members of the rock band Foreigner, from left: Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Kelly Hansen, Jeff Pilson, Luis Maldonado and Chris Frazier. Not pictured is Mick Jones. (Submitted)

Retain young talent to achieve growth, economic summit told

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Preview

Retain young talent to achieve growth, economic summit told

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Business owners need to create a work culture that will retain young talent and bolster economic prosperity, Canada West Foundation director Janet Lane said at the Manitoba Economic Summit, hosted by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce on Friday at the Keystone Centre.

Lane acknowledged the challenges of youth migration as a major barrier to economic growth, but tasked entrepreneurs to embark on a strategic journey aimed at retaining them.

“It’s essential to focus on fostering a supportive work culture, offering advancement opportunities and enhancing community engagement,” she told the entrepreneurs at the event. “Highlighting Manitoba’s positive attributes, such as affordable housing and safe communities, can help attract and retain youth.”

Engaging youth in decision-making processes and leveraging their creativity and innovation, she said, is key to developing effective solutions, adding initiatives like community-building apps and youth-led projects demonstrate the potential for youth involvement in shaping their communities.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Economic development Minister Jamie Moses, speaking Friday at the Manitoba Economic Summit in Brandon, said Manitoba offers a multitude of attractions for investors. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Economic development Minister Jamie Moses, speaking Friday at the Manitoba Economic Summit in Brandon, said Manitoba offers a multitude of attractions for investors. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

Rolling River re-elects Chief Wilfred McKay Jr.

By Miranda Leybourne 1 minute read Preview

Rolling River re-elects Chief Wilfred McKay Jr.

By Miranda Leybourne 1 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

The community of Rolling River First Nation has once again chosen Wilfred McKay Jr. as their chief.

The incumbent chief was elected to lead the First Nation, located 76 kilometres north of Brandon, on April 22. McKay was challenged in his run for re-election by Brent Wilson, and in the end, McKay received 241 votes while Wilson received 66.

Of the nine people who ran for a seat on council, the winners were Derek McKay with 167 votes, Claude Shannacappo with 144 and Melissa Shannacappo with 125.

Samantha Wilson received 91 votes, Aaron McKay 98, Evan Gaywish 59, Joshua McKay 58, Elvin Huntinghawk 41, and Mel Huntinghawk 34.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Wilfred McKay Jr. has been re-elected as chief of the Rolling River First Nation (File)
Wilfred McKay Jr. has been re-elected as chief of the Rolling River First Nation (File)

School board fails to deal with trustee controversy

By Colin Slark 4 minute read Preview

School board fails to deal with trustee controversy

By Colin Slark 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

About a year after the Brandon School Division’s board of trustees dealt with an offensive presentation, the Mountain View School Board in Dauphin experienced its own earlier this week when one of its trustees spent 30 minutes trying to whitewash history.

But judging from the reactions of the presenters’ fellow trustees, it is clear that the MVSD board did not tackle the problem nearly as well their colleagues in Brandon.

During Monday’s meeting, Ward 2 trustee Paul Coffey played many of the greatest hits of the anti-Indigenous racism scene: defending residential schools, referring to groups by outdated and offensive language, denying the existence of white privilege and attacking land acknowledgments.

Though Coffey claimed Indigenous ancestry in his remarks, that didn’t stop a slew of criticism from coming out on Wednesday, including the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society calling for Coffey’s removal from the board.

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Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024

Indigenous groups have condemned Mountain View School Board trustee Paul Coffey for comments he made during a recent board meeting. To date, the board's response to the offensive remarks has been inadequate. (The Canadian Press)
Indigenous groups have condemned Mountain View School Board trustee Paul Coffey for comments he made during a recent board meeting. To date, the board's response to the offensive remarks has been inadequate. (The Canadian Press)

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