May 4, 2021

Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg MB— Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew and Healthcare Critic Uzoma Asagwara called on the PC government to release their modelling data to improve public buy-in of public health restrictions and reduce the strain on our healthcare system in the third wave.

“Throughout the pandemic the PCs have been telling us that we’re all in this together, but that’s just not true,” said Kinew. “Pallister’s cabinet ministers have access to modelling data that regular Manitobans aren’t allowed to see. Just like with their hidden bills, this government is hiding critical information about the trajectory of the third wave from Manitobans. It’s a choice that compromises public safety and threatens to push our ICUs to a breaking point - and it needs to be reversed.”

Manitoba is one of the only provinces that has not released modelling data for the third wave. The PC government has ignored continued requests from journalists and appeals from public health experts who point out that data increases public buy-in to health orders. During the second wave, public health shared modeling data with the public and the Official Opposition that showed how cases could increase without restrictions. But no such data has been shared publicly during the third wave.

Today Wab Kinew and Uzoma Asagwara sent a letter to the government to request a briefing and an update on modelling and the state of our ICUs. As of May 3rd, ICUs were nearly 50% over regular capacity.

“Our ICUs are overwhelmed and our dedicated nurses, doctors and healthcare workers have reached a breaking point,” said Asagwara. “Manitobans don’t need a crystal ball, they need the facts so they can make the best decisions to protect themselves and their communities. Knowing what’s at risk helps Manitobans have buy-in and fight through pandemic fatigue. This government needs to use every tool at their disposal to support our healthcare workers and that means releasing modelling data today.”