Winnipeg's Mayor says Premier Brian Pallister has not been accessible over the course of COVID-19, even as the province grapples with record case numbers.

Bowman says that while direct communication with the premier would have been helpful, Manitoba's health minister and other government officials have been available.

Manitoba is struggling under a COVID-19 crisis, leading Canada and the U.S. in per capita cases.

Both Pallister and Bowman spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday about the situation in Manitoba.