Vaccinations, reversing cuts are key to recovery

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/08/2021 (661 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Manitoba begins re-opening and as public health restrictions are being eased, we are entering a precarious post-pandemic recovery period in Manitoba.

Throughout the summer I’ve taken the opportunity to begin to meet in-person with folks at the doorstep and in the community to listen to their issues and concerns. No matter where I go or who I speak with in our community, one thing has become abundantly clear — all of us want to see a post-COVID recovery that puts our health care first and makes investments in preventative, front-line services a priority.

For many of us, the steps to a strong recovery have already begun as we prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting double-vaccinated. Vaccines are the key to our recovery and are safe and effective in preventing further infections of the contagious Delta variant during a potential fourth wave.

Last month, I was honoured to volunteer with Elmwood Community Resource Centre, helping get shots into arms around our neighbourhood at their community vaccine clinics, and have been pleased by pop-up vaccine sites at places like Keenleyside Street or walk-in vaccination appointments at our local pharmacies. If you haven’t received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine yet, I encourage you to visit www.protectmb.ca or call 1-844-626-8222 to find a clinic nearby and get your shot today.

While vaccines are imperative to preventing transmission and keeping us safe, Manitobans know that our recovery must also include a stronger health-care system able to react swiftly and efficiently when we need it.

Right before the pandemic, the Progressive Conservative government cut intensive care unit beds in Winnipeg by a whopping 20 per cent. Even as the pandemic raged on, we saw fewer ICU nurses working in our hospitals as the PCs continued their cuts. That means that, as Manitoba was sending COVID-19 patients to hospitals out of province, here at home we were managing the consequences of losing ICU beds and slashing our health-care system to the bone.

Manitoba’s recovery must include strong investments in a resilient health-care system that’s ready to manage the changing needs of our province. It’s critical that the ICU beds the PCs cut are restored, our front-line healthcare workers get the fair treatment they deserve, and we make investments to health care in northeast Winnipeg a priority.

Let me know your thoughts about how Manitoba can build for a strong recovery.

As always, I can be reached at 204-654-1857 or matt.wiebe@yourmanitoba.ca

Matt Wiebe
Concordia constituency report

Matt Wiebe is the NDP MLA for Concordia.

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