April 7, 2020

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB—Leader of the Official Opposition, Wab Kinew and NDP House Leader Nahanni Fontaine are urging the Pallister government to immediately reconvene the House in order to pass emergency legislation that would give direct financial assistance to Manitoba families.

“Workers are losing their jobs. Families are struggling to pay bills and buy food. Businesses can’t keep their staff on payroll. Every other province in Canada offers some kind of direct financial assistance for people--yet Manitoba is silent," said Kinew. “Manitobans need help today and the NDP is prepared to work with the government to authorize emergency financial aid as soon as possible.”

The Official Opposition is calling on the provincial government to reconvene the House as soon as possible to bring forward legislation for emergency passage that would:

1. Implement paid, protected leave for every worker that must take time off work due to COVID-19, care for child or sick loved one;

2. Provide presumptive Workers Compensation Benefit coverage for any worker who has contracted COVID-19 on the job; and

3. Provide income supports for Manitobans who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19

We have committed to working with all MLAs to ensure the House can resume in a safe and responsible fashion that respects public health directives and physical distancing. We are open to exploring alternate arrangements so the House can operate remotely.

In March, the House Leaders of all parties agreed to recess the Legislature for an undetermined amount of time with the understanding it could be called back to pass emergency legislation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Official Opposition is committed to working with the province to support the fight against COVID-19.