Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister announced new measures to procure needed protective equipment, to provide tax relief to people and businesses and to increase shelter spaces for homeless people in Winnipeg April 3.
He also said that the province has issued a request for proposals for temporary space for low-acuity hospital spaces in Brandon, Winnipeg and Thompson.
“We’re hoping for the best, preparing for the worst,” said Pallister. “The purpose [of the temporary hospital spaces] of course is to make sure that just in case we have additional needs for space or beds that those are available to people who will be able to get the care that we want to give them and close to their homes if at all possible.”
The government is committing $100 million to speed up the process of procuring essential medical supplies, hotel capacity and other critical needs in the battle against COVID-19. Some of this money would be used to help manufacturers who are able to rapidly scale up production or retool manufacturing lines to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, masks and face shields. The province is also asking businesses and organizations with PPE that is not being used due to closure and physical distancing to donate it. More information is available at sharedhealthmb.ca/covid-19/supply-donations/.
Manitoba will also defer provincial income tax and corporate tax filing deadlines and payments to Aug. 31, though the premier says anyone who can still pay their taxes should do so.
“This program is designed to give relief to those who need it most,” Pallister said.
The government is also adding 140 homeless shelter beds in Winnipeg to better allow for social distancing at a cost of $1.2 million.
“Right now the needs are greatest in the city of Winnipeg," he said in response to a question about whether additional shelter spaces would be opened in other communities.
Utilities and Crown corporations such as Manitoba Hydro, Centra gas and Manitoba Public Insurance have been instructed not to charge interest and penalties on unpaid bills or to disconnect customers. The Workers Compensation Board has been asked to extend relief from penalties for late payments and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has been asked not to charge interest on money owed by restaurants, bars and specialty wine store.
“We know that this industry has been particularly hard hit by this pandemic,” Pallister said.
