The government of Manitoba is working together with municipal officials, non-profit organizations and charities to provide emergency relief for refugees crossing the Manitoba border.

The province has announced additional support for refugees today, building on top of the support already provided various provincial departments to the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC)/Welcome Place and the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO).

"Manitoba has always been a safe and welcoming place, and Manitobans have a well-deserved reputation within Canada for compassion and willingness to help those in need,' said Premier Brian Pallister in a release. "Just as we have opened our arms to newcomers for centuries, our province continues to provide significant support to those organizations offering direct services to refugee claimants."

The announcement included:

  • 14 units of emergency housing, managed in partnership with MIIC/Welcome Place.
  • $70,000 in funding for MANSO to support a refugee response co-coordinator for 2017-18.
  • $110,000 in funding for Welcome Place for 2017-18 to support services for refugee claimants, including paralegal services and safe transportation from Emerson to Winnipeg.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of the provincial government and look forward to continuing to collaborate as we provide emergency shelter and other supports to those in the greatest need," said Rita Chahal, executive director for Welcome Place in a release.

In addition, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba (PAM) has approached the province and is finalizing details to see primary care paramedics temporarily located in Emerson. The government also announced support programs that assist refugees and refugee claimants in finding employment as soon as they are able to legally work in Canada.

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