CUPE applauds Mayor Gillingham’s support for fourth branch of 911

CUPE applauds Mayor Gillingham’s support for fourth branch of 911

WINNIPEG, TREATY 1 –

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham’s support for building social workers directly into the 911 emergency system is a crucial step in addressing the growing mental health crisis, says CUPE Local 500, representing Winnipeg’s municipal workers.

“Winnipeggers struggling through a mental health crisis in our city need a system that supports them right from the first call,” says Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba.

“I’ve worked in public and community health, and non-violent crisis intervention from a dedicated social worker, built right into the 911 system will ensure the right help is sent. This will be critical in ensuring families get the support they need.”

CUPE Local 500’s “Local Guarantee” campaign was launched earlier this year, calling on all candidates in the upcoming municipal election to support the call for a fourth branch of 911 to address the mental health crisis.

“Winnipeggers are calling on the city to find new ways to address safety in our community because we know something isn’t working,” said Patrick Troughton, Acting President of CUPE Local 500. “We want Winnipeggers to make this a ballot box issue when they go to the polls because that is the strongest way we can tell all candidates that this is an important issue to the community.”

You can learn more about CUPE 500’s Local Guarantee campaign at: https://localguarantee.ca/911

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than 800,000 members. In Manitoba, CUPE represents approximately 40,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, home care, school divisions, municipal services, social services, disability support services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries, and family emergency services.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

• David Jacks, CUPE Communications – 204-801-7339