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A grass fire burns on Friday afternoon south of Brandon. The fire started just east of Highway 10 and south of Glencarnock Road. It spread eastward threatening homes in the area. Firefighters and volunteers battled the blaze throughout the afternoon. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Horses evacuated as grass fire rages

By Skye Anderson 4 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

Dozens of horses were safely evacuated from a barn as a raging grass fire burnt through a swath of land and engulfed a tractor just south of Brandon on Friday.

“We have 40-something horses and they’re all out,” Bryon Decorte said while sitting in his truck outside of Pine Castle Farm, which he and his wife, Erin Anderson, have owned for 10 years.

“Nobody’s hurt, thank God.”

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services was called to the fire at around 1:30 p.m., Chief Terry Parlow told the Sun.

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Researchers hope to ‘change the narrative’

By Tessa Adamski 5 minute read Preview

Researchers hope to ‘change the narrative’

By Tessa Adamski 5 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

Researchers at Brandon University hope findings from two recent projects on intimate partner, gender-based and sexual violence can improve supports for survivors in rural, remote and northern communities.

Members of the university’s Rural, Remote and Northern Gendered Violence Research Program presented their findings during two sessions on Friday at the Mental Health on the Prairies conference held at BU.

The three-day conference that began Wednesday brought researchers, health professionals, community organizations and individuals with lived experiences together to share knowledge and engage in critical conversations about mental health.

The first session on Friday focused on a pilot project exploring the experiences of childbirth and parenthood for individuals who have experienced sexual violence in adulthood.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Tracy Young, co-lead of Brandon University’s Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health, is shown at the university on Friday. The centre hosted the three-day Mental Health on the Prairies conference at BU. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Fawcett, Isleifson confirm candidacy as registration opens

By Connor McDowell Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Fawcett, Isleifson confirm candidacy as registration opens

By Connor McDowell Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

The registration period for mayoral candidates in Brandon opened on Friday ahead of the October municipal election.

Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun that his paperwork is in — he is registered to run for re-election.

Former Brandon East MLA Len Isleifson, who announced in May 2025 that he would seek the city’s top job this year, confirmed on Friday he was submitting paperwork and will follow through with his bid for mayor.

“I am more committed now than I could say I ever have been,” Isleifson told the Sun. “The support I have been receiving has just been overwhelming. And it’s something that needs to happen — we just really need some changes.”

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said he enjoys the role and wants to build on progress from his first term. (Alex Lambert/The Brandon Sun files)

Assiniboine grads step into public safety careers

By Abiola Odutola 3 minute read Preview

Assiniboine grads step into public safety careers

By Abiola Odutola 3 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

Three Assiniboine College public safety program graduates were prepared to launch their careers in policing and community safety on Friday morning as they crossed the stage at the college’s Victoria East Campus.

The ceremony, which was part of the Manitoba Public Safety Institute’s annual Final Inspection, recognized students who have completed the eight-month program designed for roles in policing, corrections and other justice-related fields.

Michelle Omand, one of the graduates, said the day was both emotional and rewarding.

“It means a lot because we pushed ourselves to complete it,” she told the Sun. “We had our hardest days, stressful days, and it just took a lot to get through this.”

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Assiniboine College public safety program graduates Mason Vinthers (from left), Michelle Omand and Osahon Ebose are joined by Brandon Police Service Chief Tyler Bates after the graduation ceremony at the college’s Victoria East Campus on Friday morning. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

Most farmers insulated from fertilizer price shock: KAP

By Connor McDowell Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Most farmers insulated from fertilizer price shock: KAP

By Connor McDowell Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

A large number of farmers are protected from the rising cost of fertilizer this spring because they pre-purchased before the war in Iran broke out, according to Manitoba’s general farm policy organization.

It has become clearer that many Manitoba farmers are insulated for the year, as several weeks have passed since the fertilizer market was impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, Keystone Agricultural Producers president Jill Verwey told the Sun on Friday.

“As a broad statement, I think it’s been confirmed that for the most part, a large portion of their fertilizer purchase was done before the conflict occurred,” Verwey said.

She added that some farmers will need to accept high prices during the season as their crops require more product, and a smaller percentage of farmers caught off guard are feeling the full impact of the inflated market.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Keystone Agricultural Producers president Jill Verwey said it’s been confirmed that a large portion of farmers’ fertilizer was purchased before the war on Iran started. (Jessica Lee/Winnipeg Free Press files)

Alberta premier says law changes to be assessed after probes into voter list breach

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Alberta premier says law changes to be assessed after probes into voter list breach

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

EDMONTON - Premier Danielle Smith says her government will look at new legislation depending on what comes out of investigations into claims a separatist group breached the personal information of nearly three million Albertans.

Smith made the comment Friday as the provincial privacy watchdog called for broader reforms and election officials said legislative changes last year stopped it from acting sooner.

Smith said protecting the private information of Albertans is critical and those responsible for the breach should be held accountable.

"We understand both Elections Alberta and the RCMP are looking into this matter thoroughly and we will wait for the results of those investigations before commenting further and assessing whether any future legislative changes need to be considered," she said on social media.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
The Alberta Legislature is seen in Edmonton, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

‘Who we are’: Albertans remember Fort McMurray wildfire 10 years later

Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

‘Who we are’: Albertans remember Fort McMurray wildfire 10 years later

Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:56 PM CDT

FORT MCMURRAY - Rob Rice says many residents of Fort McMurray, Alta., still can't stand the smell of campfire.

It reminds them of the treacherous drive a decade ago through a tunnel of flames as, in their rear-view mirrors, they watched the massive wildfire that ripped through thousands of homes.

"You're seeing ash, smoke and flames everywhere," said Rice, the 47-year-old owner of a Home Hardware in the city.

"Your life is on the line. You're trapped in a traffic jam, smoke's coming in your car, you can't breathe. It was dark, it was gloomy, and it was very scary. I remember it very vividly to this day."

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:56 PM CDT
A giant fireball is seen as a wild fire rips through the forest 16 km south of Fort McMurray, Alta., on Highway 63 on May 7, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

‘Denial of care’: Doctors worry about refugees as payment requirements take effect

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

‘Denial of care’: Doctors worry about refugees as payment requirements take effect

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

TORONTO - Refugees now have to pay out of pocket for part of their drug prescriptions, mental health counselling, dental services, vision care and health equipment — including wheelchairs — as changes to a federal program take effect. 

For decades, Canada's Interim Federal Health Program has provided complete health coverage to refugees and refugee claimants until they are eligible for provincial health plans and benefits. 

But starting Friday, they must pay $4 for every prescription and 30 per cent of the cost of supplemental health products and services. 

More than a dozen medical, nursing, social work and refugee organizations, including the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Nurses Association, have warned that refugees can't afford those co-payments and their physical and mental health will suffer. 

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Friday, May. 1, 2026
Asylum seekers line up to enter Olympic Stadium Friday, August 4, 2017 near Montreal, Quebec. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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Kinew mulling relief with healthy-food subsidy

By Carol Sanders 3 minute read Preview

Kinew mulling relief with healthy-food subsidy

By Carol Sanders 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

WINNIPEG — Premier Wab Kinew says he is still considering relief for Manitobans struggling with the high price of fuel — but it may not be in the form of a gas-tax holiday.

Nearly a month after suggesting gas-tax relief may be coming, Kinew told reporters Thursday that “giving people a subsidy to buy healthy food might be the more effective intervention.”

The premier said such a subsidy would be geared to income, targeting the most in need.

“We want our intervention to be well timed and to really help you with the cost of living. So, we’re still actively considering the gas-tax situation in Manitoba to help you keep your life more affordable. At the same time, this is a situation where we’re going to be facing high gas prices for the rest of this calendar year and it might be leading to higher costs at the grocery store,” he said during a news conference.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with reporters before the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

NDP challenge Sobeys’ property controls

By Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Preview

NDP challenge Sobeys’ property controls

By Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is taking aim at Sobeys Inc. in a bid to boost local competition.

The province said Thursday it would challenge contracts made by the Canadian grocery giant that prevent competitors from setting up shop nearby.

Manitoba will submit four cases for Municipal Board review, including one in Brandon.

“When there’s more competition, there are better prices,” Premier Wab Kinew said.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026
The former Sobeys grocery store on the east side of 18th Street near Canadian Tire in Brandon’s south end. The building has been empty since Sobeys relocated to the Shoppers Mall in 2017. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Christian Heritage eyes adding high school classes

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 1 minute read Preview

Christian Heritage eyes adding high school classes

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 1 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

The principal of Christian Heritage School in Brandon has confirmed that the school is considering adding high school to its curriculum.

Raquel Peters said discussions are underway about the possibility of high school education, but that no details were available.

“We are considering the possibility of expanding into high school,” Peters said in an email to the Sun on Thursday. “At this time, however, there is no further information to share.”

A community member told the Sun on Wednesday that the school was looking at starting Grade 9 classes in the 2026-27 school year — a detail that has not been confirmed.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026
The exterior of Brandon's Christian Heritage School on Wednesday afternoon. The school has been enduring a COVID-19 outbreak, linked to the delta variant, over the last couple weeks. (Kyle Darbyson/The Brandon Sun)

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