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Winnipeg Free Press
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Brandon realtor to run for NDP in Spruce Woods byelection
Premier Wab Kinew, who has been handing out a lot of green in hopes of turning a 'yellow dog' Westman seat from Tory-blue to NDP-orange, will be in Brandon Thursday to help Ray Berthelette kick off his candidacy in the long-awaited Spruce Woods byelection campaign. 'Yes, it's me,' Berthelette told the Brandon Sun ahead of Thursday's planned announcement. Berthelette, a Brandon realtor, is a former executive assistant to Brandon East MLA Glen Simard. INSTAGRAM Wab Kinew posted on Instagram on July 19 that he visited Green Acres, a Hutterite colony near Wawanesa, Saturday. Under Manitoba law, a byelection must held no later than 180 days after an MLA vacates a seat. Tory Grant Jackson resigned March 24 to run successfully for the federal Conservatives in April's election, which means voters in Spruce Woods must head to the polls by mid-September. Spruce Woods is located in what Progressive Conservative supporters have long considered an area — most western and southern Manitoba rural ridings are included — where the party could run 'a yellow dog' and win. PC party volunteer Colleen Robbins of Souris is running under that banner, along with Liberal candidate Stephen Reid, a Brandon teacher. While the NDP waited to announce its candidate, Kinew has made multiple public appearances to make — and repeat — funding announcements in the rural Manitoba constituency. He visited Green Acres, a Hutterite colony near Wawanesa Saturday and could travel to others in the area during the summer, a spokesperson said. 'The first time a premier has visited,' Kinew posted on social media. 'From fire trucks built with precision tech (some used in Flin Flon fires) to food, conversation, and community rooted in care — I was moved by their innovation, hospitality, and heart. One Manitoba.' Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. Green Acres Colony manager Gilbert Hofer confirmed Wednesday that it was the first time a premier had been there, but stressed that it was not a political visit and there was no campaigning. 'There was no politics,' Hofer said. 'Somebody had mentioned to (Kinew) that we built fire trucks. He wanted to see where they were made, and he'd never been to a colony…. We just toured him around.' INSTAGRAM Kinew's visit to Green Acres Colony is 'The first time a premier has visited' according to his Instagram post. The colony, with roots in defending the Christian faith and traditional values, owns and operates Acres Emergency Vehicles. Hofer declined to talk about his political views or the coming byelection. The colony visit could be unsettling for the PCs, says a former party operative who lives beside the constituency that's been Tory blue for as long as anyone can remember. 'Those are votes that would normally be safe Tory votes, and (Kinew) believes he has a legitimate chance of carrying his party to victory,' said Deveryn Ross, former premier Brian Pallister's deputy chief of staff, who lives in Brandon. 'He's not playing just to finish well, he's playing to win.' The NDP managed to win a byelection last year in Tuxedo, once a Tory stronghold represented by former premiers Gary Filmon and Heather Stefanson. Now the party is targeting Spruce Woods. 'This is a riding that was ignored by the NDP because they thought there was no hope of winning for years and years and years, and this is a riding that was ignored by Tory governments because they felt it was so safe they didn't have to spend money there,' Ross said. 'Suddenly Spruce Woods is getting the attention it always deserved,' he said. 'I think we're going to see more spending announcements and people are paying attention.' Jackson won Spruce Woods for the PCs in 2023 with 61 per cent of the vote after reporting $13,312 in election expenses. NDP candidate Melissa Ghidoni — who was parachuted in and reported spending $168 — managed to get 24 per cent of the vote. In the April 26 PC leadership race, Spruce Woods voters sided with populist candidate Wally Daudrich who wanted to remove 'Progressive' from the party's name, over winner Obby Khan, a Winnipeg MLA with a more centrist approach. Khan and the Opposition PCs have accused Kinew and the NDP government of 'buying votes' ahead of the Spruce Woods byelection. Once the writ of election is dropped, a communications blackout prohibits the government from announcing new funding or programs during the election period. INSTAGRAM Green Acres Colony manager Gilbert Hofer: 'Somebody had mentioned to (Kinew) that we built fire trucks. He wanted to see where they were made, and he'd never been to a colony…. We just toured him around.' Robbins said many of Kinew's funding announcements were made by the previous Tory government. 'People aren't fooled by it,' she said, adding most are aware of the NDP government's delay in calling the byelection. Robbins said she's been campaigning and visiting summer events in Spruce Woods, sometimes alongside Khan. 'People love him once they meet him. He's so friendly and so nice… and he's really good at visiting with people, meeting people and he brings the excitement. Do I think that it's an easy win? Absolutely not. I believe that you have to work hard.' An NDP byelection win would have a 'devastating impact on morale within the (PC) party, on their ability to sell memberships and raise funds because it would look like no riding is safe and that there's no hope for the next general election two years from now,' Ross said. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hells set up shop in Brandon: top cop
BRANDON — The Hells Angels motorcycle gang has established a chapter in Brandon, the city's police chief confirmed Thursday. 'There's a fairly new chapter of Hells Angels in the city,' Tyler Bates told the Brandon Sun. 'There are certainly several organized crime groups.' A source informed the Sun this week about large gatherings of Hells Angels wearing their colours on the North Hill in Brandon. Bates said police are aware of the motorcycle gang's presence and are monitoring it, along with several other organized crime groups that may not be visible or stand out. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said he is aware of the gang's presence in Brandon and has spoken with Bates. 'It's obviously something they are monitoring very closely and keeping a close eye on when it comes to the role the province can play,' Wiebe said Thursday. He said the province is focused on organized crime in general, including what gangs are active in various areas of the province. 'Organized crime is active,' he said. 'We're trying to address organized crime at every level, and certainly understanding what the dynamics are on the ground, listening to Brandon Police Service and others, helps us understand what the situation is in various communities across the province.' Wiebe said the province will work with local law enforcement and give them the support they need. The Hells Angels is an international outlaw motorcycle club that has established chapters around the country, including in Winnipeg. In 2014, Manitoba became the first jurisdiction in North America to declare the Hells Angels a criminal organization. The province said the designation would allow the Crown to prosecute gang members and associates without the delay of calling additional evidence that the outlaw biker club is a criminal organization. The Brandon Sun reported at the time that Hells Angels rules require chapters to have a minimum of six members on the street without any court-imposed conditions. The club is incorporated in Canada and the United States as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp., according to Wikipedia, which describes it as the largest outlaw biker club in the world, with more than 6,000 members and 592 charters in 66 countries. — Brandon Sun
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Explore Canada this summer
There has never been a better time to travel Canada than now. Thanks to the 'Canada Strong Pass,' from June 20 until Sept. 2, visitors can enjoy free admission to national parks and historic sites, free lockage at seven canals, and 25 per cent off national park camping fees. It's an invitation to reconnect with nature, with history, and with each other, while exploring some of Canada's most cherished spaces. From jagged coastal cliffs and giant inland lakes, to sweeping grassy plains and ruggedly forested frontiers, there is something for everyone. 'This land was made for you and me,' goes the folk song. On that note, here are a few unforgettable destinations to check out with the Canada Strong Pass. Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island is a spectacular stretch of protected coastline. The area has deep First Nation roots among the Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples, and is known for its wild beauty and biodiversity. The park is divided into three regions where visitors can surf rolling waves, hike ancient temperate rainforests, and paddle among hidden coves and scattered islands. From storm watching in winter to beachcombing in spring, there are unforgettable experiences here in every season. File photo by Tim Smith/Brandon Sun Visitors can explore Riding Mountain National Park, along with Canada's other national parks, for free this summer, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. Banff National Park, with alpine-crisp air and lakes that shimmer like glass, is a must-stop on summer road trips. Established in 1885, Canada's oldest national park is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and spans 6,600 square kilometres of wilderness. The scenic hiking trail on the north side of turquoise-coloured Lake Louise takes you up the mountain slope to Mirror Lake. Then onward to the charming Lake Agnes Tea House that has origins dating back to 1901. It's here that stories shared over cups of tea are as frequent as the pine-scented breeze. In central Saskatchewan, Prince Albert National Park is a beautiful blend of boreal forests, lakes, and wide-open prairies. It's a gem of a park that is rich in recreational opportunity, natural beauty, and peaceful escapes into nature. Established in 1927, it spans nearly 3,900 square kilometres of peaceful wilderness and biodiversity. Making it an ideal locale for hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing of elk, black bears, foxes, and plains bison. Waskesiu Lake with its quaint resort town atmosphere is home to sandy beaches, and a pristine golf course with classic fairways and natural sand bunkers. On the west coast of the island of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is known for striking landscapes and dramatic geology. It's where ancient forces shaped the land, offering natural wonder and insight into earth's geological history. The park showcases towering fjords, glacier-carved valleys, and exposed inner-earth mantle — one of the few places on the planet where you can walk on the earth's interior. You can also hike scenic trails, kayak coastlines, and experience the downhome culture of nearby fishing communities. Rideau Canal is one of the seven historic canals offering free lockage this summer. Constructed between 1826 and 1832, the canal was designed for military and strategic reasons as a secure route between Ottawa (called Bytown) and Kingston on Lake Ontario. It was important after the War of 1812 to find ways to bypass the St. Lawrence River along the United States border. Today boaters from all walks of life can glide down this historic waterway, seeing firsthand why the route was important to Canada's sovereignty. To learn more about the Canada Strong Pass, visit for information and program updates. If you've already purchased a Discovery Pass for this summer, your validity period will automatically be extended for three months to make up for the free admission period. File photo Visitors can explore Pacific Rim National Park in B.C., along with Canada's other national parks, for free this summer, thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. Canada is ours to explore this summer — all we have to do is show up and discover it for ourselves. On this unforgettable land, made for you and me. RoseAnna SchickTravelations RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rasinspired@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Brandon mourns business titan Bob Mazer
BRANDON — Robert Mazer, a leader in agriculture, business and community development in Manitoba's second-largest city, died of cancer Sunday at age 75. He was recognized as a builder, the driving force behind Mazergroup and a steadfast supporter of Brandon's growth and progress, the group's chief financial officer, Wally Butler, who worked with Mazer for 28 years, told the Brandon Sun Tuesday. 'I affectionately called him 'Bob the Builder,'' Butler said. 'That's really what he did all his life — build things. From launching irrigated potato acres near Rivers Air Force Base to transforming downtown Brandon by investing in the Town Centre, Bob was always working to grow something.' The Brandon Sun files Bob Mazer's impact on Brandon went beyond being a supplier of agriculture equipment. The businessman died Sunday at 75. Premier Wab Kinew also paid tribute to Mazer in a public statement Monday night. 'Bob was a great Manitoban who helped to make Westman and our province a better place,' he said. 'His legacy will live on with Mazergroup, in the ag industry, and through his philanthropy. He will be missed.' A statement released by Mazergroup described Mazer as 'a true industry pioneer' whose connection to farming began early. He started farming at just 17 and by 1969 had joined his father in running the family's agricultural equipment dealership in Brandon. Under his leadership, the small business evolved into Mazergroup, now a major dealership network with 18 locations and more than 400 employees in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 'Bob's vision for exceptional customer service, strong communities and a dedicated team' laid the foundation for the group's continued success, the company said. Mazer's impact extended far beyond the business world. Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Mazer's nephew, reflected on his uncle's legacy with deep affection. 'He was better than just a great businessperson. He wanted to be around his family, and we all loved him back deeply,' Fawcett said. 'He showed up for everything. He loved Brandon, he loved agriculture and he'll be deeply missed.' Fawcett described Mazer as 'almost a genius,' who had a unique way of thinking and a remarkable ability to see value in people and places. 'He believed in himself, and he brought out the very best in others, especially with the support he had at home from his wife, Patti, and his boys.' Mazer was a 'straight shooter and a trusted ally,' Assiniboine College president Mark Frison said. 'When I first moved to Brandon 15 years ago, the first name I was told to call was Bob Mazer,' Frison said. 'He was the biggest champion of the college — chairing major fundraising campaigns, including the Prairie Innovation Centre and the trades program. He even helped bring New Holland training to the college.' Frison said Mazer's contributions were lasting. 'We named the central hallway in our Trade Centre 'Mazergroup Main Street.' He received one of our first honorary diplomas,' Frison said. 'Bob was iconic in Brandon's business community and a true leader in every sense.' Butler said Mazer's leadership during difficult times was especially inspiring. 'When things were the toughest, that's when Bob got the most motivated. He always saw opportunity first, never just the challenge.' Mazer left behind a strong foundation that the Mazergroup team is committed to building on, he said. 'He'll be missed as a colleague, mentor, and friend — but also as a loving father and grandfather. His love for his family was deep and unwavering.' Mazer and Mazergroup have been great supporters of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, president Jennifer Ludwig said. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. 'I didn't know him personally, but he was a past president of the chamber from 1990 to 1991,' she said. 'Like other past presidents, he was a great resource for incoming presidents and sitting presidents as he provided guidance when needed.' The chamber, Ludwig said, recognizes he was an icon in his industry and will be missed. 'With Brandon's business community being so close, if you didn't know him personally, you would have definitely heard of him and heard of his achievements in the business world,' she said. In 1998, Mazer was named Brandon's Businessperson of the Year, and in 2024, Mazergroup was named Dealership of the Year. He was also inducted into the Farm Equipment Dealership Hall of Fame. — Brandon Sun
Winnipeg Free Press
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Lynn Lake evacuees begin arriving in Brandon
BRANDON — About 300 evacuees from Lynn Lake were expected arrived in Brandon Friday, with hundreds more scheduled to arrive today, a Red Cross official told the Brandon Sun. Nearly 600 residents are being forced to leave their homes — two weeks after an initial wildfire evacuation ended — as a new blaze threatened to cut electricity to the northwestern Manitoba town. Most of the evacuees are being flown in due to the distance — Brandon is 1,175 kilometres by road from Lynn Lake. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Evacuees from Lynn Lake arrive at Brandon Municipal Airport Friday afternoon after being evacuated due to wildfires threatening the community. This is the second time this year the Maniotba community has been evacuated. 'We were home for about two weeks, and then we got sent out again,' said Trent Farrow, who was among the first arrivals to land at Brandon Municipal Airport on Friday afternoon. 'We (have) nowhere to go, no vehicle and stuff. But you know, it worked out,' he said. The Red Cross set up a reception centre at the Victoria Inn Hotel, where evacuees will be registered and moved to various hotels in the Wheat City — a notable improvement from the cot-based congregate shelters used during their previous evacuation to Thompson. Farrow said his family of seven hadn't even finished unpacking before being told to leave again. He said they were still in the middle of cleaning the house when the evacuation order came. 'It's tough leaving home again,' he said. 'But we're safe. That's what matters.' Other evacuees expressed a mix of exhaustion, anxiety and reluctant acceptance. 'I felt overwhelmed,' said Marie Bighetty, who arrived around 4:30 p.m. with her family. 'It's my first time in Brandon. I worry about my grandkids here because they're so used to running around.' Her relative, Ryan Bighetty, voiced deeper frustrations. 'It was a mixed feeling — happy and sad,' he said. 'I had plans to work and prepare for college. This is our second evacuation, and it's exhausting. All the food we had is probably going to waste now, with power being cut.' Adolph Lapense said he tried to stay optimistic. 'This is my second time, so we're very organized now. I guess we'll have to survive on this. What else can we do?' he said. 'It's like a long vacation for me because I don't have to work.' Others, such as Kevin Maniel, were less upbeat. 'We just got home from Thompson and now we're back out again,' Maniel said. 'We're tired, exhausted from travelling. Everyone's just trying to cope.' The Red Cross is organizing air transportation and providing emergency accommodations and personal services at the request of both community leadership and the Manitoba government, spokesperson Jason Small said. 'People who have already registered with the Red Cross for fire evacuations this summer do not need to register again,' Small said. 'We're working closely with Indigenous leadership, the community and governments as the situation evolves.' The evacuation notice said 'all residents' were asked to leave Friday due to wildfire threat and the imminent loss of power. The City of Brandon had received word of the incoming evacuees, Mayor Jeff Fawcett said. 'There are some preparations to take in residents, but I don't have details like numbers or arrival times,' he said. The Town of Lynn Lake said an outage could last at least one month if the remote transmission line is damaged and needs to be repaired. Without power, the town said it cannot maintain essential services such as water treatment or refrigeration, making it unsafe for people to remain for an extended period. The length of any restoration, if required, would depend on the terrain, which is challenging in places, and if equipment has to be airlifted, Manitoba Hydro spokesman Scott Powell said. Damage assessments cannot take place until the area is deemed safe. Lynn Lake Mayor Brandon Dulewich said planes with seating for about 200 evacuees flew to Brandon on Friday. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The province expected 579 residents to leave, while firefighters and other essential staff stayed behind. Some evacuees drove out on their own. Fires near Lynn Lake and Leaf Rapids, which was under an evacuation alert, threatened to cut off highway access to Thompson. Lynn Lake's hospital, which closed during the first evacuation, remained open. Staff will stay unless authorities deem the situation to be unsafe, a Northern Health Region spokesperson said. The hospital has a diesel generator for backup power and satellite internet service. — Brandon Sun
