The Kinew government delivered its first Provincial budget today, which included significant reinvestments in our ailing health care system, as well as some funding to begin rebuilding the public services that Manitobans expect and deserve.
“With this budget, we are finally seeing some movement in addressing years of cuts, underfunding, and understaffing of the services Manitobans count on,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “The investments announced today are critical first steps in rebuilding our public services, whether it's health care or education, infrastructure or conservation."
Some highlights include significant investments in:
- Long-Term Care
- Home Care Services
- Post-Secondary Education Institutions
- Conservation Officer Service Staffing
- disABILITY Services
- Reopening of two MASC Offices
Ross noted, however, Manitobans should remain cautious about the government's continuing commitment to unaffordable tax cuts. “If we want more personal care home beds, safer highways, affordable post-secondary tuition, you name it,” Ross said, "we all must consider what they're worth to us. Public services have been starved for so long and reinvestment must come first right now.”
The union will continue to press the Kinew government to fully address chronic understaffing in the Civil Service, he added.
"We need to be able to recruit and retain experienced Manitobans to deliver these services."