The 2020-21 budget was introduced on Thursday March 19 after the NDP successfully blocked the passage of several pieces of legislation that would have had devastating repercussions for Manitobans. The NDP offered to allow the government to introduce their budget multiple times while we used our tools to stop them from pushing through their harmful legislative agenda.
Budget 202-21 does not adequately make provision for Manitoba’s new reality after the COVID-19 pandemic passes – no new health care funding was allocated.
The health care budget doesn’t even meet the needs of the Northern Regional Health Authority pre COVID-19 – it’s well below the rate of inflation, meaning this is a de facto cut to the health care system we all rely on. Instead, their priority in this year’s budget was for things like the Transformation Management Office, which is responsible for overseeing Phase 2 of their health care overhaul. This office will execute the premier’s plans to closure rural emergency rooms and ambulance stations.
In regard to education, the NDP put forward a recommendation for the implementation of a universal school breakfast program in Budget 202-21. Unfortunately, the Pallister Conservative government did not see the importance of providing students with nutritional meals to enhance their capacity to have a successful kindergarten to Grade 12 experience.
To date, the government has also failed to put forward any meaningful economic plan to help support small businesses. Instead they are waiting, idly, to see what the federal government decided to do.
Overall, the 2020 budget has evidently shown the Progressive Conservatives’ poor planning and lack of foresight. Our communities will have to grapple with the realities of the health and economic impacts once the COVID-19 pandemic passes. I am proud to be part of a team that wants to help all Manitobans.
We supported the government’s $32 million purchase of supplies and equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. But we would also urge them to put more consideration for the cushioning of the after effects of this pandemic, for the well being of northerners and the entire Manitoba community.
For any questions and concerns please email me at Danielle.adams@yourmanitoba.ca or call my constituency office at 204-677 2744. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 or need guidelines on self-assessment contact Health Links at 204-788-8200.
