Government must act to make schools safer
Advertisement
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/01/2022 (507 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As we begin the new year, I would like to wish my constituents and all Manitobans a happy and healthy 2022, and I hope that you were able to safely enjoy your holidays.
Unfortunately, as we usher in a new year, it is clear that Premier Heather Stefanson, her cabinet, and the rest of the Progressive Conservative caucus will continue to take the same approach as her predecessor. In the past few weeks, the PC government has been missing in action as Omicron has surged in the province.
In Fort Garry, we saw an outbreak in one school in our constituency where 10 per cent of the students tested positive for COVID-19. Chaos ensued as parents were not notified appropriately and were sent scrambling trying to decide what was best for their families. This is not something people should be forced to do. Our government should have been taking clear and concise action to keep students safe in these times of uncertainty. There has been ample time during the different waves for our province to make the necessary investments to keep classrooms safe, but with each wave they have failed to do so, first under Brian Pallister, and now under Premier Stefanson.
Local businesses are also experiencing the same uncertainty and lack of support that they have gone through repeatedly at various stages of this pandemic. New restrictions were imposed upon them with absolutely no notice at one of their busiest times of the entire calendar year. While the NDP caucus and I fully support restrictions that will preserve the health and safety of Manitobans, the government should be communicating clearly and consistently in order to better prepare us to adapt to the pandemic’s latest challenges. Businesses and workers are now left in a precarious state and the employment of many is at risk once again. Following in the footsteps of its previous leader, this government has taken no action to provide meaningful support to businesses during this extremely difficult period.
It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not ending anytime soon, and Manitobans deserve a government that leads, not hides, when times get tough. The NDP caucus will continue to be a voice for Manitobans during this time of crisis, and we will continue to advocate for better support and more action from the PC government.
My office is always here to help so please reach out by email at mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca or 204-421-4241.
Mark Wasyliw
Fort Garry constituency report
Mark Wasyliw is the NDP MLA for Fort Garry.