Following yesterday’s release of the provincial budget, Official Opposition leader Wab Kinew says he’s concerned with two things in particular.
“This budget is going to put our healthcare system on life-support during a pandemic. At a time when many Manitobans are worried about their financial security, the province is also cutting a lot of the programs that help our families keep their heads above water. Those are the two areas that I’m most concerned about.”
“When I’m looking at the response for COVID-19, it’s just not enough. There’s not enough here for nursing and ICU beds and all the things we know that we’ll need.”
When it comes to Dauphin in particular, Kinew took note of the $6.8 million dollars cut from the corrections budget.
“So now, you see why they’ve closed the Dauphin Jail. This is just about saving money. When people from Dauphin look at this budget, it’s your community that’s paying.”
Kinew said he wishes the government’s budget would have covered fees for parents that have to pull their kids out of daycare.
“I’d also look for a top-up to people’s wages. Let’s say you have to go on EI, you’re going to lose a big chunk of your wages. I think now is an appropriate time for the government to step in and help make up some of that difference.”
“I think we all have to stick together as Manitobans with this COVID-19 pandemic. I thank everyone working at the hospital in Dauphin and the clinic to keep everyone healthy and safe. I think we need to call on the government to do more. To fund healthcare and provide financial security. We really do need to have each others back right now.”
Speaking on Manitoba’s state of emergency, Kinew sees it as an important step and hopes everyone respects the directions of the public health experts.
