Matthew Govereau, 37, was taken into custody on February 14th in Winnipeg and is now facing 18 charges related to a fatal Canada Day crash that occurred last year. The charges include three counts each of impaired driving causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, and careless driving. Additionally, Govereau faces charges related to weapons, drugs, and possession of stolen property.
The collision occurred on July 1, 2025, when Govereau's vehicle crossed the center line on Highway 10, north of Swan River, and collided head-on with a parked vehicle. Brendan Berg, 42, the bassist for the Winnipeg indie-pop band Royal Canoe, and his partner, Olivia Michalczuk, 31, were in the parked vehicle and died from their injuries. A 29-year-old male passenger in Govereau's vehicle also died as a result of the crash. Govereau and another passenger were critically injured at the time.
RCMP issued an arrest warrant for Govereau in January after the Crown approved charges. Govereau is scheduled to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on February 17. The arrest brings a measure of closure to the families and the community affected by the tragic events of last Canada Day. The case highlights the serious consequences of impaired and dangerous driving, a concern for communities across Canada.
The investigation is ongoing, and the RCMP continues to appeal to the public for any information related to the incident. The arrest was carried out by the Winnipeg Police Service. The tragic loss of Brendan Berg, a celebrated musician, and his partner, Olivia Michalczuk, has deeply impacted Winnipeg’s arts community.
