More can be done to support Manitobans

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/06/2020 (1960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans continue to do a terrific job of flattening the curve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase Three began this week and hardworking Manitobans deserve the lion’s share of the credit for this progress.

Many folks have made great sacrifices for the sake of preserving the health and safety of their loved ones and neighbours, and your continued efforts are helping keep Manitobans safe.

However, the response from the Pallister government has not gone far enough in providing sufficient supports for Manitobans. The province began offering a wage top-up for front-line workers but accessing this benefit has been challenging.

The benefit requires that eligible individuals sign up online; unfortunately, many folks in Fort Garry lack internet and have been told to rely on neighbours to apply for this benefit. This is an unnecessary barrier for those who have been working on the front lines in this province during a global pandemic.

Additionally, there is a lot of confusion with the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA), which has put small businesses at risk. The House should be recalled to work on a plan to fill in the gaps of the CECRA program so that we do not risk evictions and further hardship for business owners.

While he shames those unable to work, the Premier has refused to go back to work himself. Since the 42nd legislature started, the House has only sat for 26 full days.

While COVID-19 required us to delay sittings until a safe way forward could be determined, it is now vitally important to resume legislative sittings to catch up on the work postponed, and to update and adapt the government’s response to this pandemic.

The Manitoba Legislature has not convened so few times in 17 years. With no plans to sit until October 2020, we are on pace to have the fewest sittings of government in Manitoba history. This is irresponsible at best, and dangerous at worst.

We have seen layoffs across many sectors during this economic downturn. Yet, this government continues to parade its reopening plans while simultaneously hiding from the scrutiny Manitobans deserve.

The Premier and his government want everyone to return to work, regardless of the risk or the fact that they are underpaid, all in the name of driving our economy. Yet, the Premier continues to hold himself and his government to a different standard.

What are the barriers you are facing to getting back that the Premier has not addressed?

Contact my office at (204) 421-4241 or mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca