Province to ban commercial evictions during COVID-19 pandemic
The Manitoba government will temporarily ban evictions of commercial tenants during the pandemic if the landlords and tenants are eligible for CECRA but have not applied. Not all landlords eligible for this funding are applying, leaving tenants without an option to stay in their current leased commercial space. Manitoba has received only approximately 145 applications and has paid out $1.5 million of the $64 million available.
New family resolution service to enhance access to family law
The Family Resolution Service will ensure family law services are more accessible and affordable to Manitobans. Families can now access support services in domestic violence and safety planning, conflict resolution and mediation, family law and court processes navigation assistance to specialized services. The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) was expanded in April. The program now has authority to review and adjust maintenance as needed. These changes are expected to take thousands of matters out of court and could result in up to $41 million in annual savings in court and legal fees for Manitoba families.
New diagnostic and treatment machines
Manitoba government has invested in new equipment to be installed at sites throughout the province. They include a linear accelerator for radiation treatment at CancerCare Manitoba, a general duty X-ray machine and a liquid chromatography system at HSC Winnipeg, CT scanners at Brandon Regional Health Centre and Victoria General Hospital, and a new interventional radiology unit at St. Boniface Hospital. Two general duty X-ray machines will be installed at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach and the Altona Community Memorial Health Centre.
Plans for in-class learning to resume in September
The Manitoba government has released a planning framework for the resumption of in-class learning. While the plan is for all students to return to classroom learning in the fall, Manitoba Education will provide final confirmation by Aug. 1 based on public health directions. The framework also outlines key considerations like ensuring schools can respond and adapt to changing public health orders and guidance, making sure any necessary physical distancing requirements can be met and finding ways to accommodate specialty programming and extracurricular activities. Other factors to consider include ways to safely offer school transportation and arranging for students, teachers and staff that may be at higher risk of COVID-19.
Manitoba to develop outdoor, all-season visitation shelters at personal care homes
The Manitoba government is working to develop outdoor, all-season shelters that will be located near personal care homes and be suitable for residents to safely visit with loved ones. Across Canada, approximately 80 per cent of all deaths related to COVID-19 have been linked to those living in personal care homes. In Manitoba, precautions taken in the early stages of the pandemic included strict visitor restrictions, enhanced screening for staff and the implementation of the one-site staffing model at personal care homes.
Province announces up to $4.2-million incentive for new large-scale greenhouse in Parkland region
Through the Manitoba Works Capital Incentive (MWCI), the Manitoba government will provide a rebate of up to $4.2 million over a maximum of 20 years to a commercial greenhouse development in the Parkland region. Vermillion Growers has started construction of the first large-scale greenhouse in Manitoba. The high-tech hydroponic commercial greenhouse development in Dauphin will be designed for vegetable production, consisting initially of tomatoes with plans to expand to a wide range of produce. Phase One of the project is a 10-acre facility, with plans to expand to 60 acres after five years of production. Vermillion Growers plans to plant its first crop in early 2021. The MWCI rebates the education property taxes generated by a project for up to 20 years.
Province Invests In Manitoba Job Restart Program
The Manitoba government is introducing the Manitoba Job Restart program, which will provide direct payments to a maximum of $2,000 to help qualified Manitobans return to work. Manitoba’s program will provide one initial payment of $500 plus three additional bi-weekly payments for $500 each, for a total of $2,000 over six weeks. Program participants must voluntarily stop collecting CERB or CESB support from the federal government. The Manitoba Job Restart program will accept applications until July 31. Manitobans can learn more about the program details at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/mjrp.html
