View From the Legislature

This past week there were several announcements and developments related to the provincial effort against the coronavirus pandemic. Key among these was the phased reopening of Manitoba’s economy and other facilities which began on Monday.

Last week, following advice from Manitoba’s Provincial Public Health Officer, Manitoba began allowing several facilities and businesses to reopen. Manitobans have done a tremendous job in helping to ensure that the spread of the virus to date has been minimized and that allowed our province to have one of the most comprehensive opening plans in Canada. But reopening does not mean that the virus has disappeared. The success of the reopening relies on Manitobans continuing to follow health advice and requirements. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, sanitizing, and following the guidelines in stores and facilities will ensure that we continue to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

Manitoba is entering a new phase of living with the virus. The reopening of the economy is both a recognition of the work that Manitobans have done and that we need to ensure that we balance safety with the practical need to allow society to move beyond heavy restrictions. Further phases, which are dependent on minimizing the spread of the virus, contemplate lifting further restrictions and re-evaluating group sizes if efforts continue to be successful. While all provinces and countries are struggling with the pandemic, Manitobans have helped place our province in an enviable position as we continue to be guided by medical advice.

Even as restrictions begin to ease, we know that every part of society has been impacted by the effects of the pandemic. Manitoba has been recognized for some of the most comprehensive support programs in Canada and that was added to this week with the announcement of a $45 million financial support package for seniors. Seniors are the group most vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus and, like all groups, have been impacted by the societal changes it has caused.

The Seniors Economic Recovery Credit will provide to every Manitoban over the age of 65 a one-time $200 refundable tax credit. These cheques will be mailed to all Manitoba seniors who filed a 2018 income tax return. Seniors who have changed their mailing addresses since the time of their 2018 tax filing, can update their address through the government website at gov.mb.ca.

In addition to this program, several other direct support programs have been announced for businesses and individuals. This includes the rebate to Manitoba Public Insurance policy holders that will return between $140-$160 for the average MPI policy holder.

Remember to stay up to date with reliable and Manitoba specific information through the Manitoba government website dedicated to the pandemic at gov.mb.ca.