PC budget fails to protect Manitobans

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This article was published 26/04/2021 (764 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Pallister government recently released its 2021 budget, which yet again fails to address Manitobans needs and the issues they face such as safe, affordable personal care homes and returning to work.

Several months after the Premier choked back tears at press conferences as he talked about the tragic deaths that occurred at Parkview Place and Maples, this budget was a real opportunity to remedy many of the problems our facilities face.

However, the 2021 budget seems to forget about PCH residents, as it does nothing to address the problems that caused the tragic outbreaks and deaths at PCHs we saw in fall, such as chronic understaffing, cleanliness and lack of funds. The funding in this budget doesn’t even keep pace with inflation. Our seniors deserve better than this so they can live with dignity and respect.

This budget also fails to provide supports for women and underrepresented groups in job recovery. I know many of my constituents could benefit from supports that help them get back to work like affordable, accessible public child care, so it’s unfortunate that this government hasn’t taken any meaningful action to help them and has instead frozen their funding for the fifth year in a row. 

Beyond the 2021 budget, myself and many Notre Dame community members are very concerned with Bill 40, The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Amendment and Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act, and the impact it will have on our community. This bill allows for the private sale of liquor, meaning that a profit motive will be the guiding public policy approach to alcohol – this is wrong and a huge mistake.

What is this government going to do to offset these changes? Our community has seen and felt the impact of the meth and opioid crises firsthand. Unfortunately, this government has failed people with addictions by letting the opioid and meth crisis worsen during their time in office.

Since MBLL allocates two per cent of its income to addictions research and treatment, less money for MBLL results in less money for addictions. Privatizing liquor sales will also divert money away from government revenues (and subsequently funding for education, sports, infrastructure, etc.).

What we need are increased investments in addictions treatment such as managed alcohol programs, to help people recover.

If you are concerned about the Bill 40 or the 2021 Budget, or if you have any other questions, please reach out to me at malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca or over the phone at 204-788-0800.

Malaya Marcelino
Notre Dame constituency report

Malaya Marcelino is the NDP MLA for Notre Dame.

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