The Manitoba Government’s budget, released yesterday, maintains investments in core public services, but doesn’t adequately address the ongoing public sector staffing crisis.
“Over the past couple of years, the provincial government has taken steps to address the gaps in public services, and now is not the time to slow down,” said MGEU president Kyle Ross. “With many Manitobans struggling to cover their bills, the government needs to prioritize providing reliable, resilient public services to support the citizens of this province.”
Key highlights from the budget include the creation of additional staff positions in the following areas:
- Wildfire Service
- Conservation Officer Service
- Parks
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Emergency Measures Organization
- Protection Officers in Health Care
Additionally, the budget included the positive news of investments in health care facilities by expanding the Brandon and Neepawa Health Centres, renovating the Eriksdale Emergency Room, and building new personal care homes in Arborg and Lac du Bonnet.
These investments are good news for Manitobans, however the government will need to take urgent action to fill the new positions and existing vacant positions across the public sector to make sure Manitobans benefit.
“As Manitoba works to strengthen and diversify the economy in uncertain economic times, strong public services are essential,” continued Ross. “That means having enough staff to deliver the care, support, and programs people rely on every day. Investments in health care, education, and arts and culture make our communities strong, but without the workers to deliver them those investments won’t go far.”
In the MGEU’s pre-budget submission, recommendations focused on prioritizing resources to staff up the Civil Service, strengthening public health care, reinvesting in public education, increasing multi-year funding for community-based social service agencies, re-establishing priorities of Manitoba’s Crown agencies