Following the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations last week and the introduction of new U.S. tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce wants to speak directly to the business community about what this moment means for Westman, and where we stand.

We support the federal government’s decision to walk away from a deal that would have compromised Canadian sovereignty, weakened protections for key Canadian sectors and restricted our country’s ability to pursue trade relationships beyond the United States. A weak deal accepted under pressure would have cost us far more in the long run than the disruption we are facing now.

Choosing no deal over a bad one took resolve, and it was the right call for Canada’s long-term economic interests.

We also recognize this comes at a real cost to our business community. Westman’s economy is built on agriculture, manufacturing and a range of other export-driven sectors, all directly exposed on both sides of this dispute. Businesses shipping goods into the United States are now facing steep new tariffs that erode competitiveness in that market.

Re: Who gets to represent us at city hall?

I’ve spent the last while seriously considering a run for Brandon city council.

I have decades of experience running a business, earning a master’s degree and I currently work full-time while still hustling a small business to make ends meet. I’m raising and financially supporting kids through university. I care deeply about this city, its affordability, its neighbourhoods, its culture, its people. And the more I’ve looked at what it actually takes to run for council here, the more I’ve realized how few people like me are able to.

Municipal politics is supposed to be the level of government closest to residents. In practice, it often isn’t. Research on Canadian municipal elections consistently shows that the time, money and networks required to run, let alone to unseat an incumbent, filter out a huge share of the population before a single vote is cast.

Re: Brandon’s upcoming election

I have been closely following the situation in Winnipeg, where a city councillor has been charged with some serious crimes.

The individual has been asked to step down, but Manitoba rules only allow for this if the person is convicted of a crime.

It is nice to see many new faces apply to be a councillor in the City of Brandon.

Allow me to make a response and clarifications to a recent letter to the editor (Brandon Sun — Aug.22) by a representative of Manitoba Hydro. Firstly, the headline of the letter, “Plan balances best available options” is misleading if it speaks to the content of the letter.

To bring you up to speed, starting on July 28, Manitoba Hydro has been presenting its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and Major New Facility (MNF) for scrutiny by the Public Utilities Board (PUB). The IRP is Manitoba Hydro’s planning for the future, as far as our energy needs are concerned.

In this “plan” to meet our future demands, are proposals for several projects. One of the proposed projects falls under the Major New Facility category. I’m referring to the proposed gas turbine power plant to be built in Brandon.

Now, regarding the letter, Manitoba Hydro probably could have pointed out that this proposal is actually one of several different projects that could “meet their timeline.” For example, battery storage. Of note, Manitoba Hydro is presenting both the IRP and the MNF as part of the PUB hearings.

I read in Saturday’s paper that there was a committee of the whole meeting of city council this Monday. I tried to attend that meeting.

I could write about how when I showed up at city hall 10 minutes before the meeting that the doors were locked.

I could write on how no reason for entering into closed session was provided (as required by section 170 of council’s Procedure By-law).

Or I could go into how after the regular meeting, I was told by the city clerk that they no longer post notice of the committee meetings within city hall.