The need for funding for organization in Manitoba involved with the settlement of refugees

On Tuesday March 15, I called, in Question Period, on the government to help fund refugee settlement services, a critical need at a time when we have many refugees coming to Manitoba.

Refugee Settlement Funding for Services

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, crises in Afghanistan and in Ukraine have created a need for a major expansion in the ability of Manitoba to help refugees fleeing from unsafe conditions.

I'm sure the minister responsible for immigration is concerned about fair treatment of refugees. We all agree that Manitoba should be going full steam ahead in accepting and supporting refugees from Ukraine. I hope the minister's also on board with a significant program to help settle refugees from Afghanistan.

Will the government announce their plan for funding the major effort needed, and will it include provincial support for sponsorship agreement holders, like Hospitality House, Accueil francophone, Welcome Place and IRCOM?

Hon. Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): You know, we live in a wonderful country. Very proud today to have met the crew of the HMCS Winnipeg, who defend the democracy and freedom of our country.

May I remind him that there are many immigration streams, federally and provincially, and may I remind him the refugee stream works with the federal government, but we will continue to work–the federal government to ensure we expedite those who need a safe haven here in our province.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March. South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory. The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions. This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14. Manitoba ( red line ) started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then. South Dakota ( blue line ) has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4. Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations

Pushing for safe consumption sites and safe supply to reduce overdose deaths

On Monday June 20th, Thomas Linner of the Manitoba Health Coalition, Arlene Last-Kolb Regional Director of Moms Stop the Harm and Winnipeg City Councillor Sherri Rollins were at the Manitoba Legislature to advocate for better measures to reduce deaths from drug overdoses, most particularly for safe consumption sites and for a safe supply, measures which can reduce overdose deaths.

Being able to participate matters - Let’s build a more inclusive, accessible Manitoba

Too often, our homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces are designed without sufficient consideration given to how they will impact little people, those with large bodies, or those with disabilities. Manitoba should become a leader in designing and building new structures so they’re comfortable and accessible to all. Further, the province needs to do more to adapt our existing infrastructure, so that it meets everyone’s needs. The design of our built environment makes daily living a challenge for too many. A friend, who uses a wheelchair, must call ahead wherever she goes to ensure she can enter a restaurant, store, salon, etc. A young person in River Heights has a struggle each fall to make sure that with his cerebral palsy he is able to get the support he needs to do well in school. A large-bodied man I know has been bedridden for five months because he lacks access to a usable lift or wheelchair. Samantha Trubyk, President of the Little People ...

The Gerrard Report

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