The leader of the official opposition, Wab Kinew, is calling for the Manitoba government to call an emergency meeting of the House so that the province can provide emergency funding.

Update:

Premier Brian Pallister says that the Legislature will reconvene on April 15.

Earlier:

In a press release sent out on Tuesday, Kinew says, "Workers are losing their jobs. Families are struggling to pay bills and buy food. Businesses can't keep their staff on payroll."

Kinew says that every province in the country except for Manitoba has financial assistance set up for citizens affected by COVID-19.

"Manitobans need help today and the NDP is prepared to work with the government to authorize emergency financial aid as soon as possible," Kinew says.

The NDP is calling for legislation that would:

  • Give workers paid, protective leave for workers that must take time off due to COVID-19.
  • Provide presumptive Workers Compensation Benefit coverage for any worker who has contracted COVID-19 on the job.
  • Provide income supports for Manitobans who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

The legislature was closed indefinitely in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Premier has been contacted for comment and this story will be updated with his reply.