03/01/2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB— The final sitting of the Legislature before the next election begins today after one third of the Premier’s caucus announced they will not run under her banner. While the PCs are focused internally on their own chaos and political fortunes, the Manitoba NDP team is united and focused on families in Northern Manitoba.   

“In this final sitting before the election, Manitobans are taking a careful look at Premier Stefanson’s record,” said Thompson MLA Eric Redhead. “It’s clear that things are getting worse in Northern Manitoba, not better, under Premier Stefanson. Just like Brian Pallister, Premier Stefanson cut Northern health care and slashed the budget for highway repair and snow removal. Northern families deserve a government that keeps our families healthy and safe.”  

In this session the Manitoba NDP will hold the PCs accountable for their cuts to Northern health care that shuttered birthing services in some communities, forcing expectant mothers to travel hours away from home for care and left patients at the Thompson hospital without hot water for one month. The NDP will highlight the PCs decision to privatize Lifeflight jeopardizing the health of Northern families and will call for immediate staffing solutions in Northern health care to address the nurse vacancy rates that are as high as 25% in the Thompson hospital and are leaving Personal Care Homes without adequate staff to provide dignity to seniors. The NDP will also fight back against the PCs cuts to Northern schools that are struggling to meet the needs of students and families.  

“Manitobans want a government that they can be proud of, a team that shows up ready to work hard and get results,” said Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “The PCs have proven they aren’t up for the job. But our team is working hard for Northern Manitoba families. We’re ready to tackle the health care crisis, make your life more affordable and build a future we can all be proud of.”