Whew… 2020 was a challenge
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/12/2020 (881 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
2020 was undoubtedly a challenge for all Manitobans as the COVID-19 pandemic affected all our lives, including those of the constituents of Red River North.
Christmas this year looked different for all of us, with public health restrictions limiting gathering sizes to help limit the spread of the virus. However, with news of the vaccine arriving in Manitoba last month, there is hope and encouragement for a brighter 2021.
Our provincial government continues to push forward to support small businesses and front-line workers who have been at the forefront of Manitoba’s response to the pandemic. They have made tremendous sacrifices for the health and safety of all Manitobans and we cannot thank them enough for it.
We have rolled out a number of programs and initiatives to help our business community make it through these unprecedented times.
Our government recently announced $5 million for the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce to develop a program that provides financial relief to dine-in restaurants that have been impacted by the pandemic restrictions.
We know that many businesses took on additional costs to adapt their operations to comply with public health orders. This program will be designed to help offset these additional expenses by providing a rebate to dine-in restaurants that have shifted to a delivery model. More information for restaurants and how to apply will be available in the weeks ahead.
We have also supported local businesses through the Manitoba Bridge Grant, which provides an immediate one-time payment of $5,000 to small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit and charitable organizations that were directly ordered to temporarily cease operations due to the COVID-19 public health orders. The grant was recently expanded to include funding of up to $5,000 for Manitoba home-based businesses that have been affected by the pandemic restrictions. As of Dec.r 21, the province has provided approximately $43 million to 8,600 successful applicants.
In terms of local news, I was honoured to provide a letter of support to Michael Swistun of the RM of East St Paul, on the renaming of Silver Springs Park to the Swistun Family Heritage Park.
Michael’s father Bill and his brothers Don, Henry and Mike purchased the Silverfox Ranch in 1970. Michael said it was his dad’s vision to turn the pit into a park, and when he passed away in 1988 the rest of the family worked tirelessly to see it completed.
The park is located between Silverfox Estates and Spring Hill in East St. Paul.
Jeff Wharton
Red River North constituency report
Jeff Wharton is the PC MLA for Red River North.