Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

advance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Dec. 6, the Manitoba government is providing new supports to help protect victims of crime, including gender-based violence, announced, Dec. 4, by Justice Minister Cliff Cullen and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, minister responsible for the status of women.

“The Manitoba government is committed to assisting victims of crime, including gender-based violence, through provincial programming and by supporting the work of community agencies,” said Cullen. “We recognize that supporting victims of crime and addressing gender-based violence requires collaboration across government departments and with people in our communities who are impacted.”

Today, the ministers released the province’s new Framework to Address Gender-based Violence and, to help support the framework’s priorities, announced $5.6 million for agencies that provide support to victims of crime. Both announcements support the recommendations of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry Calls for Justice.

The framework was created by Manitoba’s Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet, established in 2018 to provide a whole-of-government approach. The framework will guide the integration of services and co-ordination of policies, legislation and initiatives across government.

“The increased stress of COVID-19 has resulted in an increased likelihood of violence with intimate partners and relationships at home, and it is especially important that we take concrete action to address gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Cox. “Our framework focuses on prevention, support and intervention to ensure actions are responsive, inclusive and community-informed moving forward. We’re pleased to make a substantial investment of dedicated funding to help support the priorities and actions of the framework.”

The framework, which is rooted in research, principles and recommendations of several reports and advice from community stakeholders, aims to prevent gender-based violence by challenging the pervasiveness of abuse and addressing the underlying attitudes and norms that perpetuate it.

Government committed to taking action in the following areas over the next three years:
• addressing root causes and systemic drivers of gender-based violence;
• providing direct assistance to survivors and victims of gender-based violence to make sure they get the right help at the right time to reduce the impact of the violence and support healing; and
• intervening and supporting people who have committed gender-based violence to help end the cycle of violence.

The province is issuing a call for proposals to divide $5.6 million in available funding in the following two categories:
• Indigenous-led agencies developing projects to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people, a key MMIWG inquiry recommendation; and
• community-based organizations developing projects to support victims of crime including proposals for new and expanded work with victims of crime, gender-based violence, or in response to MMIWG inquiry recommendations.

The ministers noted the open call for proposals is inclusive to a wide variety of community-based organizations to ensure the greatest impact on the diverse needs of victims of crime. Projects selected will help ensure victims of crime receive a range of community-based supports, which could include culturally based, trauma-informed supports such as counselling and healing, legal information, crisis services, peer support and advocacy.

The $5.6 million comes from a reallocation of surplus funds from the Victim’s Assistance Fund. More information about the call for proposals will be communicated to eligible agencies in the coming weeks.

Manitoba’s Framework to Address Gender-based Violence is available at www.gov.mb.ca/msw, along with a What We Heard document detailing stakeholder engagement at http://engagemb.ca. 

Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

The province has issued a ministerial order that enables professional nursing colleges to modify their criteria to allow licensed nurses from other provinces and retired nurses to work in Manitoba, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced Dec. 4.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we put the focus on getting as many qualified health-care professionals as possible into the workforce to help protect Manitobans,” said Friesen. “By enacting temporary changes to nursing registration requirements, nurses from other provinces and retired nurses will be able to get licensed more quickly in Manitoba.”

The minister discussed with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba and College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba that licensed nurses from other provinces and former members of each respective college, who are typically retired nurses, may now be eligible to work in Manitoba during this emergency, provided they can meet the modified criteria for registration.

“Through effective collaboration between our partners in government and in nursing regulation, our goal is to be responsive to the needs created by the pandemic, while ensuring public safety,” said Jennifer Breton, executive director, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba (CLPNM). “These changes allow the CLPNM to efficiently license qualified former licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and LPNs registered in other jurisdictions to join Manitoba’s nursing workforce in a timely and efficient manner.”

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have worked closely with the ministry, our nursing regulatory colleagues and health system leaders, and have implemented timely processes for registration of safe, qualified registered nurses to support the pandemic response in our province,” said Katherine Stansfield, CEO/registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. “These changes allow us to continue that important work in service of the public interest.”

“This ministerial order enables the expedited temporary registration of qualified registered psychiatric nurses to assist with dealing with the threats of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Laura Panteluk, executive director/registrar, College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. “We are committed to continuing to work with all of our partners in the health system on this important issue and to assist in Manitoba’s pandemic response.”

The colleges must be satisfied the individual is able to practice competently. These measures are in place for at least six months to ensure nursing resources are available in the immediate future, the minister noted. 

“We welcome and appreciate any nurses who respond to this call to lend a helping hand to care for Manitobans during this pandemic,” said Friesen. “We have the strictest measures of any province in place to fight the spread of COVID-19. Adding extra capacity to our health-care system to care for those who need it is another way our government is protecting the health and safety of Manitobans.”

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

For up-to-date information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, visit:
https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/index.html.

Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Manitoba government has named the winners of the first annual Manitoba Accessibility Awards, recognizing their commitment to improving accessibility for all, Families Minister Heather Stefanson, minister responsible for accessibility, announced Dec. 3. 

“Manitoba joins people across the world in promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, today and every day,” said Stefanson. “The 2020 Manitoba Accessibility Awards recognize leaders in our communities who have shown their commitment to inclusion and equity for Manitobans with disabilities.” 

The six winners of the Manitoba Accessibility Awards were chosen from dozens of submissions from across the province and were announced during a webinar earlier this afternoon. They are:
• large business – Winnipeg Airports Authority, Winnipeg;
• small business – Red Apple, Stonewall;
• urban non-profit organization – Gateway Church, Winnipeg;
• rural non-profit – Woodlands Pioneer Museum, Woodlands;
• large municipality – City of Selkirk; and
• small municipality – Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach.

In their submissions, each organization highlighted the importance of working in collaboration with community partners to overcome barriers, and especially with people who have lived experience with obstacles to accessibility. Stefanson noted that each organization has made accessibility a priority, resulting in progress that has benefited its entire community.

“True community accessibility requires the entirety of the supply chain effectively working together to ensure the services offered at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport reflect the diverse needs of our community,” said Barry Rempel, president and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority. “WAA is proud of the leadership role we have been able to play through development of a local accessibility committee to guide informed decisions to offer a more accessible and inclusive airport environment to serve our community.”

“Do not view making your organization accessible as an insurmountable task, but start by candidly identifying barriers,” said Judith Olson, vice-president, Woodlands Pioneer Museum. “You will have taken the most important step. Removing one barrier at a time is absolutely achievable.”

The minister also noted the province’s Disabilities Issues Office has been renamed the Manitoba Accessibility Office, effective today. The office’s work focuses on improving accessibility for all Manitobans, including those with disabilities, and the new name reflects this renewed focus. 

“Accessibility benefits every Manitoban,” said Stefanson. “Together, we are identifying and eliminating barriers that stand in the way of full inclusion and participation in our society for all. The Manitoba Accessibility Office will continue to be a critical resource for all Manitobans on these issues, providing guidance, resources and expertise.”

Accessibility is a long-term goal with short-term priorities across the Manitoba government. For more information on accessibility in Manitoba, visit www.accessibilitymb.ca. The webinar of the award presentations will be posted at this website in the coming weeks. Manitobans can also subscribe to a bi-monthly newsletter, Accessibility News, at this site.

Submitted by Province of Manitoba

The Manitoba government has made significant progress to ensure the province is ready to launch a co-ordinated and effective vaccination campaign to protect its most at-risk citizens from COVID-19, Premier Brian Pallister announced today, noting these efforts will be further enhanced by the expansion of rapid testing initiatives including one specifically for teachers.

“Quite simply, we want Manitobans to know that when the COVID-19 vaccine arrives, we will be ready,” said Pallister. “Our team of hundreds of dedicated Manitobans has been planning and preparing for months, for a vaccination campaign that will be unlike anything else this province has ever seen. We are assembling the necessary people, equipment and other resources to we can rapidly stand up a large-scale, ‘super site’ vaccine campaign, as soon as the vaccine is delivered.” 

The premier noted that Manitoba has also procured all of the necessary supplies to administer safely and effectively two doses of the vaccine to every Manitoban, including a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment for staff administering vaccinations, as well as needles and syringes. 

Several of the COVID-19 vaccines have specialized storage and other requirements, meaning it is more efficient to keep supplies and administer the vaccine on a scale basis in a smaller number of locations, especially in the early stages of the vaccination campaign. The first freezer able to store safely one of the COVID-19 vaccines at extremely low temperatures has been delivered and installed, with another four on the way. Together, they can hold about one million doses of vaccine, the premier noted, adding the province has also purchased 20 portable ultra-cold freezers.

As the vaccine supply from the federal government expands over the coming months, it will become more widely available in a larger number of sites, ideally similar to a conventional vaccination campaign, such as the annual flu shot, once logistics make this feasible. Manitoba continues to call on the federal government to develop a co-ordinated strategy for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Over time, the vaccine will be available to every Manitobans who wants it and this will help to protect all of us against COVID-19. In the meantime, we must continue to follow the public health advice of our public health experts, focus on the fundamentals and stay home,” said Pallister. “Together, we will save lives.”

The premier noted the province will launch a new, dedicated COVID-19 rapid testing service pilot for teachers in Winnipeg in January to coincide with the safe return to school. These efforts are part of a broader expansion of rapid testing throughout the province to help better protect Manitobans, ensure the health and wellness of school communities, and support the province’s overall pandemic response.

More details of this program, as well as plans to expand it outside of Winnipeg, will be announced in the near future.

The premier noted the Manitoba government has placed a new, $40-million order for Songbird Hyris tests, which will help deliver 45,000 tests a month.

The province is also deploying another 20 Abbott ID NOW tests to communities across the province, in addition to the 13 testing units previously announced. They will soon be in use and have been shipped to the following locations:
• Southern Health–Santé Sud – Steinbach (two units), Boundary Trails (two), Portage la Prairie (two) and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes (one);
• Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority – Selkirk (two), Stonewall (one), Pine Falls (one), Gimli (one) and Ashern (one);
• Prairie Mountain Health – Dauphin (two), Neepawa (one), Virden (one), Killarney (one) and Russell (one); and
• Northern Regional Health Authority – Thompson/The Pas (one).

The rapid allocation of the Abbot ID NOW tests will offer health-care providers a valuable early screening tool to identify possible outbreaks as quickly as possible, the premier said.

The Manitoba government is taking strong action to protect Manitobans and ensure timely access to care. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine campaign in Manitoba, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine.

Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

The Manitoba government is committing $1.5 million to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to help support and protect local businesses impacted by COVID-19 public health orders, Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler announced Dec. 3.

“Manitoba’s local businesses are finding many creative and innovative ways to provide their services and keep Manitobans safe from COVID-19,” said Eichler. “We know this funding will help meet the evolving needs of businesses, and accelerate and amplify the efforts made by the business community so we can truly make a difference in helping Manitoba retailers generate revenue during this year’s holiday shopping season.”

Based on recommendations from business leaders to help small businesses directly impacted by public health restrictions to keep Manitobans safe from COVID-19, the province committed $1.5 million to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to help support business and chambers throughout Manitoba in developing and promoting their community businesses.

“The Chamber network is thrilled with the announcement of funding for local businesses throughout the province,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “These funds will have a direct and immediate impact by supporting a variety of community-focused, grassroots Shop Local campaigns and initiatives organized by many of the 69 local Chambers of Commerce across Manitoba.”

This is the first project rolled out from the initial supporting funds of up to $50 million announced Nov. 10 for business groups such as the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Winnipeg to provide a detailed plan to government on long-term recovery funding to help Manitoba businesses adapt and thrive coming out of COVID-19.

“In times when restrictions are keeping Manitobans out of their favourite local retailers, we need to find new and creative ways to support our local businesses,” said Dayna Spiring, CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg. “Local businesses are here for us this holiday season and the funds announced today are one way we can be there for them.”

The province has been collaborating with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and EDW to find ways to help local business owners who have been affected by COVID-19 public health orders and Eichler thanked the organizations for their initial input over the past few weeks that led to today’s announcement.

Along with support for chambers to promote local businesses, which can be used on projects such as local shopping guides for the holiday season, the $1.5 million will also help the GoodLocal online shopping platform and delivery service in the capital region, which connects local makers and merchants with buyers at www.goodlocal.ca.

The locally developed web portal acts as a one-stop shop to have items delivered to customers’ doors. The funding will allow GoodLocal to support more vendors, makers and farmers while improving their customer interface to enhance sales.

“I started GoodLocal out of my desire to support local. I wanted my money to make the biggest impact and to get into the hands of local business owners and makers. GoodLocal is the platform that connects Everything Good and Everything Local,” said Obby Khan, co-founder of Good Local. “A place where local makers, businesses and growers can sell their products and leave the delivering to us. Money spent in Manitoba, stays in Manitoba to support Manitobans. Now Manitobans can stay home, stay safe and grow the local economy all while supporting their own neighbours.”

Today’s announcement builds upon the province’s #ShopLocalMB campaign, a new digital campaign that encourages safe local shopping.

The new #ShopLocalMB campaign has enlisted a local design company to tell the stories of Manitoba businesses, entrepreneurs, makers and creators. The messages will reinforce reminders of how to shop safely, which includes using delivery, in-store pickup or drive-thru options whenever possible, and following public health fundamentals if in-person shopping is required.

Submitted by Province of Manitoba

Manitobans can now purchase their permits on the provinces new online e-licensing portal to cut Christmas trees on Crown land, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced Dec. 3.

“For many families, going into the forest to cut a tree for the holidays is a memorable tradition carried on for generations and for others, it may be their first experience,” said Pedersen. “Our government recognizes the holidays may look different this year from previous years. We want to ensure that Manitobans can access permits safely and securely from home, allowing them to carry on those traditions. Residents can now purchase their Christmas tree permits online using our new e-licensing portal.”

After purchasing a permit for $7.95 + GST, Manitobans can cut a coniferous tree up to three metres high, with a limit of one tree per household. Conditions for the permit include:
• cutting shall be confined to the area stated on the permit,
• the tree shall not be sold or bartered,
• the permit shall be retained by the person in possession of the tree,
• the permit shall be produced for inspection on request by a conservation officer, and
• the permit expires on Dec. 31 in the year it is issued.

Christmas tree permits can be purchased on the Manitoba e-licensing portal at www.manitobaelicensing.ca/licensing.page or through the e-licensing call centre at 1-877-880-1203.

Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

Manitoba government is furthering its commitment to protecting safe and healthy learning environments by mandating a two-week remote learning period for grade 7 to 12 students and offering the same remote learning period for kindergarten to Grade 6 students, Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced Dec. 2.

This two-week remote learning period will begin Jan. 4, 2021, following the regularly scheduled holiday break.

“Current data indicates the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our schools remains low and we want to ensure the return to the classroom is as safe as practically possible,” said Goertzen. “By moving our Grade 7 to 12 students to remote learning for the first two weeks of the new year and offering remote learning options to kindergarten to Grade 6 students, we are reducing the risk that may be posed as a result of a change in students’ close contacts during the winter break.”

Students in grades 7 to 12 will move to remote learning for a two-week period from Jan. 4 to 15. Optional remote learning will also be available to kindergarten to Grade 6 students during this period should families wish to keep their children at home following the holiday break. Regular, in-person classroom learning will be available during this period for kindergarten to Grade 6 students, as well as for any Grade 7 to 12 students with special needs that must be accommodated in the school or classroom setting.

This two-week remote learning period for grades 7 to 12 will keep close to half of the student population in Manitoba at home following the winter break. Evidence suggests that older students have a higher incidence of contracting the virus, a larger number of close contacts and are more likely to transmit the virus to others as a result. Moving this group to remote learning will reduce the risk of transmission in schools while minimizing the impact on kindergarten to Grade 6 students and their families.

Manitoba school divisions have made significant enhancements to the remote learning experience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are well equipped for this mandated period of remote learning, the minister said. The Provincial Remote Learning Support Centre will be available to assist school divisions and educational staff during this remote learning period.

In addition to this remote learning period, Goertzen also announced that the Manitoba government is further protecting Manitoba schools by confirming the full allocation of the Safe Schools Fund.

“The pandemic situation is evolving and the Manitoba government recognizes that our schools may face extraordinary funding pressures in the 2020-21 school year,” said Goertzen. “We are pleased to confirm the full allocation of our government’s $100-million investment, along with $85.4 million in federal funding, to keep our schools healthy and safe.”

The $100-million Safe Schools Fund, established in August 2020, included $48 million in school division savings from the 2019-20 school year and additional $52 million in provincial funding. In late August, the federal government also announced COVID-related funding for education. This total pool of $185.4 million will be used to augment staffing, health and safety, learning and technology.

Staffing is a key component of the government’s COVID-19 education measures, Goertzen said. School divisions continue to recruit additional teachers, educational assistants, substitute teachers, custodial staff, bus drivers, clinicians and other critical staff. As of Oct. 31, over $9 million had been invested in additional staffing, with a total investment of over $67 million already projected to be spent by June 2021.

The confirmed allocations to support schools are:
• 2019-20 savings by school divisions – $48 million;
• per pupil allocations for school divisions and independent schools – $76 million including $44 million to specifically address staffing needs;
• Safe Restart Contingency Fund, application-based funding to support emerging needs – $39.4 million;
• Manitoba Remote Learning Support Centre – $10 million; and
• personal protective equipment – $12 million.

School divisions and independent schools will be able to apply for additional funding for needs not covered by their Safe Schools allocation through the Safe Restart Contingency Fund. The contingency fund will cover incremental expenditures to meet health and safety requirements, address extenuating public health conditions in the region/area that may entail unique cost pressures, and support innovative approaches that may support outcomes for a broader school community, region or the province as a whole.

“Our government is committed to protecting our schools and providing the resources needed to keep students learning and staff supported during these difficult times,” said Goertzen. “Manitobans can count on us to support our staff, students and their families as we navigate this unconventional school year together.”