As of March 27, more than 10 per cent of Manitobans aged 18 and older have received the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the largest immunization campaign in the province’s history, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced.                          
 
“The Vaccination Implementation Task Force has worked tirelessly for months to get needles into arms, and it’s so encouraging to see their hard work means more and more Manitobans are protecting each other from COVID-19,” said Stefanson. “I want to thank everyone who’s had a part in helping us reach this milestone, from planning to delivering services on the front line to help protect people right across the province.”
 
In the last four months, more than 163,000 doses of three different COVID-19 vaccines have been provided to people across the province.  
 
“Working with key stakeholders and health providers, as well as the leadership of our First Nations partners, we are continuing to expand our vaccine infrastructure as more doses of vaccine arrive,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead of the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “In the coming weeks, we expect thousands more Manitobans will receive the vaccine and we look forward to protecting as many Manitobans as possible, as soon as possible.”
 
Since the first pilot vaccine site was opened in Winnipeg in December 2020, five super sites have opened across the province. Thousands of eligible and consenting residents of personal care homes have received both doses of vaccine. As of March 25, focused immunization teams have visited more than 380 congregate living sites and provided more than 11,000 first doses to residents.
 
Pop-up sites continue to operate throughout the province, with additional clinics scheduled in the coming weeks. In addition, 18,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine have been distributed to medical clinics and pharmacies for those with specific high-risk medical conditions.
 
“This milestone sends a hopeful message to those waiting their turn to be vaccinated, that their turn will be coming soon,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “I want to encourage Manitobans to make their appointments once they are eligible, as well as continue to follow the fundamentals to ensure we protect others and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.”
 
Individuals can sign up to be notified when it’s their turn to be immunized and find more information on Manitoba’s vaccine program at: https://protectmb.ca.

The Manitoba government is investing $6 million for the creation of new Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds to provide financial support for Manitoba’s art and culture sector, which has been significantly impacted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brain Pallister announced March 26.

“We recognize the significant sacrifices all Manitobans have made to follow the public health orders in order to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community from this deadly virus,” said Pallister. “Often described as the ‘first to close, last to open’, Manitoba’s arts and cultural sector has been hit hard by the pandemic. This $6-million investment will support the sustainability of this vital sector and build up its resilience until it can safely reopen and resume the activities that so many Manitobans enjoy and treasure year after year.”

The new Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds will be administered by the Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film and Music.

“This funding is very welcome news for the arts and cultural sector,” said Randy Joynt, executive director, Manitoba Arts Council. “The importance of arts and culture has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic yet the arts and cultural sector has been devastated by the profound disruption in its core work – bringing people together. We thank the government for this critical support towards the sector’s recovery.”

Arts and heritage organizations such as museums, galleries, festivals, cultural facilities, community arts, publishing, artists and musical groups will be eligible for financial support, even if they have qualified for previous provincial or federal programming, the premier noted.

“Manitoba has an incredible, vibrant music industry which has been, and continues to be, heavily impacted by the global pandemic,” said Rachel Rusen, CEO and Film Commissioner, Manitoba Film and Music. “We are thrilled the government of Manitoba recognizes the cultural and economic importance of this industry. With these funds, Manitoba Film and Music will be able to further support and expand this impressive key sector, capitalizing not only on the talent of recording artists, but also music producers, studios and others.”

Additional eligibility criteria, program and application details will be available through the Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film and Music shortly.

Today’s announcement builds off the government’s recent commitment to provide $8 million to support the tourism and hospitality sector, which has also been significantly impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions and gathering limits, the premier noted. To date, the province has committed over $490 million in business support programs to help Manitoba’s business community through these uncertain times and position them for recovery.

For more information about COVID-10 supports for businesses visit:
https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness.

The Manitoba government is seeking innovative solutions from teachers, staff and school leaders to improve educational outcomes for all Manitoba students, through an initial investment of $5 million toward a $25-million, five-year Teachers’ Idea Fund, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced March 25. 

“Our government is inviting teachers, staff and school leaders in the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system to bring forward ideas based on their classroom expertise to inform improvements to K-12 education. Successful applicants will receive funding to make their ideas a reality,” said Cullen.

The Teachers’ Idea fund is a priority action of the Better Education Starts Today strategy and ensures the voice, expertise and creativity of teachers, staff and school leaders is embedded as the province charts the path forward, the minister said. This emphasises enhancing classroom supports, improving student outcomes and ensuring teachers, school staff and leaders have the knowledge, skills and tools to support student performance and continuing to put students first.

The idea fund provides an opportunity for educators and school leaders to be involved in finding solutions to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, student transitions, mental health and well-being, and other leading models of teaching and learning. Proposals that advance achievement for Indigenous students, newcomer students, students with special learning needs and French-language instruction are encouraged. An Idea Fund Review Advisory Panel comprised of cross-sectoral stakeholders has been established to review applications and support the implementation of projects.  Initial successful applicants will be announced in June 2021, the minister said.

“We are committed to listening and supporting those who are on the front lines in our schools and classrooms. We know their expertise is critical to student success and we hope we can make important changes so our education system will be the most improved in the country,” said Cullen.

For more information on the Teachers’ Idea Fund, visit https://bettereducationmb.ca.