November 5, 2021
Statement from Premier Heather Stefanson on Call With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Today, I was pleased to speak with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the first time since being sworn-in as premier to offer Manitoba’s support to collaborate and advance our shared goals and opportunities as we continue to address the impact of the pandemic and plan for a strong social and economic recovery.
COVID-19 continues to be the most significant challenge of our time. I stressed that now more than ever, we need a significant increase in the Canada Health Transfer to inject major funding needed to address the critical backlogs, increased intensive care unit capacity and the overall stability and sustainability of the system for all Canadians. Provinces remain united in our call for a significant increase in health transfers to ensure Canadians have timely access to quality health care now and well into the future.
Reconciliation is a top priority for the Manitoba government. Indigenous, northern and remote communities have been hard hit by COVID-19. Existing issues such as housing and clean drinking water have been made worse because of the pandemic. I stressed Manitoba’s willingness to partner with the federal government and local Indigenous governments to address these critical issues.
While COVID-19 remains a factor in our everyday lives, the prime minister and I discussed ways to stabilize the economy and support a strong recovery. Because of Manitoba’s high vaccination rate, most businesses are able to operate at full capacity. However, Manitoba business are struggling to find skilled and unskilled labour.
The labour shortage is real and we need effective collaboration to get Manitobans, Canadians and newcomers in the workforce. Manitoba was a pioneer with the provincial nominee program and we look forward to partnering with the federal government to increase its capacity, which will have a positive social and economic impact in the months and years ahead.
Manitoba is keen to move forward with many green and innovative projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) that will help stimulate our economy and improve the lives of all Manitobans.
I want to thank the prime minister for his time and for his commitment to work together to address the key issues facing Manitobans and all Canadians.
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