Today’s provincial budget includes much-needed investments in the Civil Service, health care, and reconfirmed government funding to provide wage parity for CFS workers. However, without more urgent action to address the broader staffing shortage now, MGEU President, Kyle Ross says the services that Manitobans rely on will continue to be stretched thin.
“During uncertain economic times, government needs to step up to ensure people have the services they rely on,” said Ross. “This budget acknowledges that, but without concrete action to fill vacant positions across government, Manitobans will continue to face gaps in services.”
Ongoing job vacancies are straining public services. According to government documents, over 2,500 positions remain unfilled, undermining the province’s ability to deliver the high-quality services Manitobans rely on.
While Budget 2025 includes funding for key initiatives (like infrastructure, child and family services, long-term care, home care services, highway regional operations, parks and trails, and more), Ross said there is a great deal of urgency in these uncertain times to rebuild the province’s public services and address chronic understaffing after years of austerity under the previous government.
“Strong public services are the backbone of a thriving province. Whether it’s in classrooms, hospitals, income support offices, or programs that help support local businesses, these services all need people to deliver them.”