May 1, 2020

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB – On the day of Premier Pallister’s deadline for universities and colleges to cut their workforce up to 30%, Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew called on the Premier to reverse his decision and protect Manitoba jobs.

“Brian Pallister’s plan to cut jobs during this COVID crisis is a step in the wrong direction,” said Kinew. “Rather than investing in Manitobans and the institutions that create jobs to ensure economic recovery, Pallister is focused on cuts and closures that will make it harder for families to rebound once this pandemic lifts.”

The Pallister government has already overseen more than 6,500 public sector layoffs in universities, municipalities, Crown Corporations and schools with more expected in the coming weeks. Kinew stressed that any plan to reopen the economy must include putting the 6,500 people who lost their job back to work.

Economists and experts across the province agree that workforce cuts are contrary to rebuilding our economy in the long term. Manitoba is still the only province not offering any direct supports to families and workers affected by the COVID pandemic.

“The Pallister government has taken advantage of a health pandemic to mandate massive layoffs without any accountability. He’s flattening the recovery when we should be flattening the curve. We need a leader who is cares more about helping families then scoring personal political points, and the Manitoba NDP is prepared to fight for families and workers.” added Kinew.