Today, when asked if the Manitoba government would be providing assistance to small and medium size retail employers so they can operate safely, Premier Brian Pallister ignored this very legitimate concern, and instead criticized unemployed Manitoba workers and the Federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
“We are fighting against a federal program that is actually paying people to stay out of the workforce right now. I don’t like the fact that that is real, but that is real. People are being paid to stay home and not work.” Brian Pallister on April 29, 2020
CUPE’s message to all Manitobans is “Thank you”.
Thank you for doing your part to flatten the curve. Thank you for staying home.
All your efforts these past six weeks have been to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
You are helping to protect front-line health workers who are fighting COVID-19 every day.
You are helping seniors, elders, and those in our community who are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19.
You are saving lives.
We encourage all Manitobans to continue practicing physical distancing.
If you are laid off, have seen your hours cut, if you are sick or in quarantine due to COVID-19, you are taking care of someone who is in quarantine or suck due to COVID-19, or you’re taking care of children or other dependents because their school or care facility is closed, please continue to access the resources available to you. Those resources are there to help you get through these difficult times and provide for yourself and your families.
You are not “being paid to stay home and not work”. You are doing your part to fight a global pandemic, and we truly thank you.