Manitoba invests in k-9 unit to support community safety

The Manitoba government will invest more than $87,000 through the criminal property forfeiture fund to renew Winkler’s K-9 unit and ensure it can rapidly respond to situations where a police service dog’s unique skills can support investigations and community safety, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced.

“Our government is excited to be able to support the expanded role of a K-9 unit for the Winkler Police Service,” said Minister Stefanson.  “Access to the right equipment and a properly trained dog can make all the difference when responding to a call for help.  We look forward to the positive impacts this investment will have on Winkler and nearby communities.”

Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund will be used to cover the costs of a new police service dog including specialized training for the animal and its handler.  Its training will allow the dog to detect drugs and track people including suspects or missing people.  Provincial funding will also be used to purchase a dedicated vehicle for the K-9 unit and outfit it with a kennel and other standard equipment.  The K-9 unit will also provide support to other police agencies in the region as needed.

 Ed Sheeran donates $10,000 to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital

Musician Ed Sheeran who sold out SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, donated $10,000 to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital while he was in town.

A hospital representative said Sheeran’s team reached out while he was in the city. They asked the hospital to keep the donation under wraps for a while. The hospital communications team released the updatealongside an update on the hospital’s construction. The hospital, which is slated to open in 2019, is so far 66 per cent complete.