Hold steady as we slowly reopen

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2020 (2141 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although we can take a deep breath and enjoy the benefits of having done the things our public health officials have asked us to do, we must be ever mindful that COVID-19 continues to be a threat to public health. The last thing we want to do lose is our hard-won ground.

Manitobans know that we’ve been luckier than most. Although sacrifices have indeed been made, we’ve so far escaped the health risks of COVID-19  that too many others are experiencing.

To reach our health objectives, we may need much higher rates of COVID-19  testing as we reopen, and so it’s important for everyone who has a symptom to be tested. We also need to continue to build our inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N-95 masks, for all our health-care workers, personal care home staff, and home care workers.

Our economic objective should be to keep jobs so we can recover quickly. Cutting public sector jobs at universitoes, colleges, community-based non-profits and in government services is the wrong prescription.

As you can see, there’s lots of construction going on in our area. Of course, my office welcomes any inquiries you may have.

With respect to the Eastern Corridor Study and the City’s long-range rapid transit plans for the Elmwood area, most of the recommendations are nearing completion. The City’s public consultations in January telegraphed plans that would favour a Louise Bridge replacement near the current bridge; a plan strongly supported by Elmwood residents. Our latest information is this is still the case but definitive plans and budgets won’t be announced by the City until March 2021.

If you need any assistance on provincial issues, please contact me at 204-415-1122 or email me at Jim.Maloway@YourManitoba.ca