Letters to the Editor – Brandon Sun

Progressive Conservative MLA Wayne Ewasko has put forward legislation to mandate three-point seatbelts on all school buses in Manitoba. (Mike Deal/Winnipeg Free Press files)

Seatbelts on school buses would be money well spent

By Beverley More 2 minute read Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

Congratulations to MLA Wayne Ewasko for putting forward legislation to put three-point seatbelts on all school buses in Manitoba. Our children are most important.They are not allowed to leave the hospital after they are born unless they are in an approved car seat.

They are raised using seatbelts. It is second nature to them to buckle up as soon as they get into a vehicle. Several bus drivers to whom I have spoken have indicated that one of the first questions kids ask when they start riding on a school bus is, “Where is my seatbelt?

As reported in the Dec. 5 editorial (“School bus safety pitch falls short of the mark”), kids who wear seatbelts on the bus are better behaved when they are seated and buckled in, thereby allowing the driver to concentrate on the road and conditions. I do not believe the bus driver should be held responsible for each child to use their seatbelt. It is called “rules to follow” if you are riding this bus.

Once again, kids are used to wearing seatbelts. As to the cost of putting the seatbelts on the buses, I believe most parents would think this is money well spent. As for our governments, one does not have to search very hard to see how much waste and silliness is often spent on some rather questionable stuff. It all comes down to money, doesn’t it?

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Letter to the editor — Gas-fired power project is hardly a ‘risk-free’ choice for the climate

By Quentin Robinson 4 minute read Preview

Letter to the editor — Gas-fired power project is hardly a ‘risk-free’ choice for the climate

By Quentin Robinson 4 minute read Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

I read the Brandon Sun article on Nov. 19, “Brandon to get $3B turbine facility.” Ever since then I have been wanting to respond. But what to say?

Much could be said about currently available renewable energy resources that could be used to meet peak demand by 2030. The Climate Action Team, based in Winnipeg, just published a policy brief, “The Immense Potential of Wind, Solar and Storage in Manitoba: November 2025.” It lays out renewable options that have been used across our continent and around the world and which could be done cheaper than $3 billion.

But maybe it is most important for me to talk about the issue of risk. After all, the whole premise of the Nov. 19 article is that we are at risk of waking up some frigid January morning without enough electricity to heat our homes or brew our coffee. And, let’s be clear, that is not a welcome risk for anyone.

The choice of gas-fired turbines implies that other options are too risky even if they are cost-competitive. Gas-fired power is a known technology, therefore no risk. I think that is the way the decision is being framed. Gas equals no risk. Renewable electricity options equal risk. And this framing of the issue needs to be challenged.

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Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

The Manitoba Hydro Brandon Generating Station off Victoria Avenue East. The provincial government is proposing a $3-billion combustion turbine facility at the site to meet the increasing demand for power. It is expected to be in place by 2030 at the latest. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Diverse voices improve communities

3 minute read Preview

Diverse voices improve communities

3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

RE: Her Seat at the Table

From 2010 to 2014, I had the pleasure of working with both Coun. Jan Chaboyer and Mayor Sheri Decter Hirst on various projects and committees. Both leaders carried out their responsibilities with skill, dedication and compassion — qualities that matter far more in public service than gender ever could. From 2016 to 2023, I worked with a number of great MLAs and ministers in the Manitoba legislature who brought expertise and dedication to the table, regardless of gender. Representing constituents is about commitment and the ability to serve, not whether one is a man or a woman.

As noted by Deveryn Ross in his Nov. 29 column, “A Tough Decision for Women,” many capable women hesitate to run for office due to uncertainty about the expectations of the role. I agree that clearer information and education would help demystify the responsibilities of elected officials. But ultimately, public service comes down to personal dedication and the desire to work with the community. How much time one invests, whether moderate or substantial — directly shapes the results achieved.

I was fortunate to represent Ward 9 on Brandon City Council from 2010 to 2014 and Brandon East in the Manitoba legislature from 2016 to 2023. Like many of my colleagues, I balanced full-time employment with council duties that often required long evenings and weekends. As an MLA, days varied from nine hours to 18, depending on the demands of both provincial and local responsibilities. I know many highly capable women in Brandon who could meet — and excel in — these commitments because of their strong dedication to our community.

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Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

Len Isleifson is a member of the Democracy Initiative created by the Association of Former Manitoba MLAs. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Boundaries key for politicians

3 minute read Preview

Boundaries key for politicians

3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

I read with interest Deveryn Ross’ column on Nov. 29, 2025, about the challenges of getting involved in municipal politics.

While I appreciate Mr. Ross’s take on the matter, and many of the points he brought forward are valid, he paints a negative, most drastic picture of the municipal landscape for councillors.

Like many of my colleagues, I have experienced citizens who tend to be aggressive in their approach. However, those situations are few and far between (I would count the situations I’ve had in seven-plus years on one hand) and, quite frankly, those end in a dial tone for me. It is not “part of the job!”

It is essential that you set boundaries on how you expect residents to act and interact with you as a councillor. I also don’t tolerate residents who question the integrity of the mayor, councillors or City of Brandon staff.

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Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

Coun. Bruce Luebke (Ward 6) says it’s important to “set boundaries on how you expect residents to act and interact with you as a councillor.” (Alex Lambert/The Brandon Sun files)

Get to the bottom of BU allegations

1 minute read Preview

Get to the bottom of BU allegations

1 minute read Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Regarding article: “Former Brandon University dean accused of ‘mathematically impossible’ grade change.”

This is a serious allegation. This is the kind of insanity I would expect at the junior/senior high school levels, NOT our own university!

As a Brandon University alumnus, this disturbs me to the core. Most students past and present work very hard, put in countless hours of lectures, labs and studies to meet the high standards required for academic recognition, and future entrance into further professional studies. This isn’t something to be take lightly!

There is only one way to determine whether the allegation holds any merit. An outside independent academic body of retired professors, not aligned with Brandon University, should investigate the allegations and produce a public report.

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Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

The Brandon University campus. (The Brandon Sun files)

A legacy of love, resilience

3 minute read Preview

A legacy of love, resilience

3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Annually, starting on Nov. 20, 1999, marks the start of a very tragic tradition of remembering and honouring the deaths of 5,474 transgender people worldwide.

In 1999, this very heavy and significant day was originally created by an individual by the name of Gwendolyn Ann Smith to commemorate Rita Hester, a black trans woman who was brutally murdered in Boston, Mass., a year earlier. And so the Transgender Day Of Remembrance was born.

This day was created to not only commemorate those lives lost, but to highlight and have community discussions over the constant need for vigilant advocacy to make things better promote safe spaces, practices and to simply comfort and lift each other up in this these trying times of hateful and volatile partisan extremism that is relentlessly present and on the rise.

It is tradition on this day to read all of their names during a candlelight vigil. Many of those whose names are not available are read from the list as “unknown.” They were murdered by hateful people, simply for unapologetically living their authentic existence just like anyone else. These poor souls were brutally taken from their beloved family and friends. They will be each be forever dearly missed and honoured. Their brutal and tragic end will always serve as a constant reminder of warning for the rest of the transgender community that we are living as hunted prey.

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Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Brandonites take part in the 2023 Transgender Day of Remembrance candlelight vigil at Knox United Church. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Deep Sky committed to having a dialogue

4 minute read Preview

Deep Sky committed to having a dialogue

4 minute read Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

Communities across southwestern Manitoba take pride in their land, their water, their homes and their way of life — and they have every reason to. When questions or uncertainty arise about projects that could affect those things, people deserve space to speak openly, ask hard questions and hear clear, honest information.

That’s the spirit in which Deep Sky wants to engage. While last week’s event in Pipestone wasn’t designed for open dialogue — and Deep Sky wasn’t included on the formal program — our team attended because listening matters. We came early, stayed late and spoke with anyone who wanted to talk. For us, showing up isn’t a PR exercise. It’s what being a good neighbour looks like.

Pipestone is a community with many voices. Some residents are hopeful about the economic opportunity a project like ours could bring. Others want more information. And many have important questions about water safety, potential impacts on property values and lifestyle, and the long-term costs and benefits to their community.

These questions deserve honest answers — not assumptions about “unanimous” opposition or support. We’ve heard from residents interested in jobs, local businesses wanting to participate and even other Manitoba municipalities asking us to consider their region. We’ve also heard real concerns, and we take every one of them seriously.

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Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

An artist’s rendering of Deep Sky’s 500,000-tonne carbon removal site in southwestern Manitoba. (Supplied)

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Letter to the editor — Reactionary solutions won’t boost school safety

4 minute read Preview

Letter to the editor — Reactionary solutions won’t boost school safety

4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

We do not need metal detectors in our schools.

This idea suggested by Brandon School Division trustee candidate Henry Sieklicki may give the illusion of safety, but in practice it is costly security theatre that fails to address the real issues facing students and families. The initial capital costs of purchasing detector lanes, along with the required electrical and communication infrastructure, alarms and staffing, would already run north of $1 million.

Our kids deserve more than checkpoints. They deserve care, respect, and opportunity to be part of community.

Even if detectors were placed only at single entrances and operated during morning arrivals, the ongoing cost would be estimated at $6,000 to $8,000 per day to have the staffing required to render the detectors effective. That’s something that could climb to more than $2 million every year, and well over $10 million across the next five years, for what experts would call sub-standard screening. And what for? That is the kind of system that could be bypassed if someone with ill intent just waited until 10 a.m., when security staff have left.

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Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Several Brandon Police Service vehicles sit parked at École secondaire Neelin High School after a violent attack at the school in June. James Chambers, who is opposed to putting metal detectors in local schools, writes that the devices “do not nurture a student’s ability to cope with challenges, build healthy relationships or resolve conflict peacefully. They send the opposite message: that schools are inherently unsafe, that weapons are an everyday threat and that we should expect fear as part of the learning environment.” (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

Tory track record wasn’t so great

2 minute read Preview

Tory track record wasn’t so great

2 minute read Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Regarding “Tories rip NDP over lack of surgeon at BRHC …”

A temporary lack of a surgeon and the PCs freak out. Let’s look back, shall we?

The PC track record is abysmal. It doesn’t matter what your “party loyalty” is, Conservatives have decimated not only our health-care and educational systems under Gary Filmon, but since then it got worse under Brian Pallister and yet our area (Turtle Mountain) continues to vote Conservative.

It begs the question … why? Time to do some self-reflection, don’t you think? Forget about wanting to be “right” and deny the facts. The proof demonstrates otherwise.

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Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Lack of surgeon put lives at risk

2 minute read Preview

Lack of surgeon put lives at risk

2 minute read Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Regarding the 24-hour lapse in surgical availability at Brandon Regional Health Centre last Thursday, the minister of health gave an irrelevant response about overall surgery numbers being up. The statement fails to acknowledge that this incident could have endangered lives.

This is like a transportation minister saying that everything is fine after a bridge collapses because pothole repairs are up.

I once had four fractures to an ankle and foot. There was no orthopedic surgeon available here in the entire Province of Medical Vacuumland, so I had to be driven to Yorkton, Sask., after two days in a temporary cast.

Years later, an acquaintance of mine was told by a Calgary ER doctor that he and his wife were fortunate to be on vacation, as her stroke was not survivable in Manitoba.

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Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara took time to answer some questions posed by the Neelin Journalism Team on the current state of health care in Manitoba. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press files)

Byelections are an opportunity

2 minute read Preview

Byelections are an opportunity

2 minute read Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

The first month of the school year is now behind us, having flown by in the all-too-familiar blink of an eye. Students and staff in our province’s public schools along with families and communities who revolve around those schools are starting to get into welcome routines.

In five communities in Manitoba, there is an added twinge of anticipation that comes with the start of a new school year. For Brandon, Louis Riel and Pembina Trails school divisions, there are crucial trustee byelections scheduled for later this month; each promising to be an important electoral race offering plenty of choice for the local constituency.

In Prairie Spirit and Mountain View school divisions, nominations are still being collected and considered, and we anticipate strong slates in those communities as well.

As a Manitoba trustee myself, I have a clear bias about the excitement that comes with a school board byelection. But as a parent and a Canadian who has the state of our world weighing on my mind these days, I am encouraged and bolstered by the capacity and promise of our public education system and the incredible youth who are at its core.

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Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

The Brandon School Division is just one of the jurisdictions in the province holding school board byelections this fall. (Kyle Darbyson/The Brandon Sun files)

Kirk’s views antithetical to many Canadians’ core values

3 minute read Preview

Kirk’s views antithetical to many Canadians’ core values

3 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

While it is normally considered impolite to speak ill of the dead, the Sun report on last Friday’s Charlie Kirk vigil provides an exception. (“Vigil for Charlie Kirk draws about 250,” The Brandon Sun, Sept. 20).

According to the report, Kirk was celebrated by the vigil emcee as “a thinker, a diplomat, an advocate, a builder, but most of all, a believer … in an almighty, loving God …,” and as someone who had the “courage to do the right thing.”

In fact, as even the most casual inspection of his public statements reveals, Kirk was a hate-mongering white supremacist, a demagogue who made a small fortune (roughly US$13 million) peddling outrageous pronouncements that pandered to the fears, frustrations and prejudices of his audience of disaffected youth.

Among other things, Kirk argued that: African-Americans were “better off” in 1940 than they are now; the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation and discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex and national origin in the U.S., was a “huge mistake”; affirmative action programs have facilitated the “stealing” of white people’s spots by “unqualified” minorities, particularly minority women; Martin Luther King was an “awful person”; and George Floyd was a “scumbag” whose murder by police did not merit the attention it received.

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Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

Charlie Kirk speaks during a town hall meeting in Oconomowoc, Wis., in March 2025. Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday during an appearance on a university campus in Utah. (The Associated Press files)

Letter — Some reflections on Dirk’s very-well-lived life

3 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

When an American beer company with a faux Mexican brand made “the most interesting man in the world” their spokesperson several years back, I laughed with derision.

Clearly, they had not met Dirk Aberson.

His death brings me great sadness — similar sadness I felt when we lost our dear friend and former colleague Diane Nelson in 2022. It also comes on the heels of the death of another colleague last year, sportswriter and troubadour Ted Wyman.

Like Diane and Teddy, Dirk got the most out of life.

Letter to the editor — Non-concurrence by council sought for proposed cell tower

4 minute read Preview

Letter to the editor — Non-concurrence by council sought for proposed cell tower

4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Non-concurrence. A word most of us are not familiar with, but one that has become critical in determining whether a telecommunications (cell) tower is installed in our southwest Brandon neighbourhood. Shared Tower Inc., a company that builds cell towers and then leases out the space on the tower, has applied to locate a 35-metre tower at 1009 34th St., adjacent to Elviss Crescent. This site is in a residential area with 31 homes within a radius of 100 metres, and many residents have small children. According to Shared Tower, this tower will house multiple carriers. Once built, this tower can be increased in height by 25 per cent to 43.7 metres without public consultation. No information has been provided as to the number of antennas, receivers and transmitters and other equipment that might be added.

A vote of non-concurrence (non-agreement) by city council would mean the cell tower application would be turned down. We are told that cell tower approval is under federal jurisdiction being Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). However, when a member of Parliament asked for clarification, he received a written response from ISED clarifying the local government’s responsibilities. Local authorities are empowered and required to take into account both the land use and the public’s concerns to arrive at their decision. Further, ISED notes “If the Land Use Authority indicates to the proponent that it concurs with the proposal … the tower site is approved. This means the council’s vote for non-concurrence is critical to stopping this tower from being built.

Council can, and should, say “no.” Other Canadian municipalities have voted non-concurrence based on public opposition, a cell tower being unsightly and diminishing enjoyment of property, an unsuitable location and health concerns.

Our community is overwhelmingly opposed to this proposed cell tower. The images provided by Shared Tower are blurry and shown from distances of 150 and 220 metres. What about the view from the home that is 20 metres away? There are 31 homes within 100 metres that will have their views affected by this eyesore. The tower is also not compatible with the natural beauty of the walking path many residents enjoy with their children and pets.

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Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Chris Bird stands on Christie Bay, where he was door knocking at homes in July to collect signatures on a petition opposing a proposed cell tower in the area. (Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun files)

Look beyond headlines before casting vote

3 minute read Preview

Look beyond headlines before casting vote

3 minute read Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Editor’s Note:

During an election or byelection period, The Brandon Sun only publishes letters from candidates or the parties that they represent if they are taking issue with something that has been reported by this newspaper regarding their election campaign.

— Matt Goerzen, managing editor

As your Manitoba Liberal candidate in Spruce Woods, I want to speak directly to you, the people whose voices truly matter in this byelection.

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Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

Manitoba Liberal candidate Stephen Reid speaks about his education background while answering a question from panellists at last week's debate in Sprucewoods. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun files)

MP on board with HMCS Brandon effort

2 minute read Preview

MP on board with HMCS Brandon effort

2 minute read Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

I want to thank Deveryn Ross and George Haggerty, Lieutenant CD (Retired), for their columns regarding the HMCS Brandon.

I, too, believe the retirement of HMCS Brandon presents us with an extraordinary opportunity. This ship has proudly carried our city’s name across Canada’s oceans. Bringing her home would not only honour the service of Canadian sailors but also serve as a living tribute to Brandon’s connection to our country’s naval history. Imagine generations of students, families and visitors being able to walk its decks right here in our community.

As the member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, I want the public to know that I fully support this vision — and I have taken steps to help make it a reality. I have already contacted the minister of national defence to express our community’s interest in preserving HMCS Brandon and to explore what it would take to secure the vessel for display in our city. This is just the first step, but I believe it’s worth pursuing with determination.

Yes, the logistics will be challenging. But as Deveryn Ross rightly points out, projects of vision always start with a leap of imagination — and the courage to ask, “Why not?” We owe it to ourselves, and to the history this ship represents, to find out if we can bring HMCS Brandon home where it belongs.

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Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

December 13, 2025

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