CUPE Manitoba delivers $5000 for Wildfire Relief

CUPE Manitoba delivers $5000 for Wildfire Relief

CUPE Manitoba president Gina McKay is presenting the final installment of wildfire relief funds pledged earlier this summer by the CUPE National Executive Board to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Policy Analyst Lucas Edmond.

“As of mid-September 2025, while many evacuees have returned home, we know there are still evacuees waiting to return home; the work is not done. Climate change is impacting the lives of Manitobans; these wildfires reinforce our resolve to work on labour-positive climate action and reconciliation.”

CUPE’s donation in Manitoba includes $35,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Manitoba Wildfires Appeal, as well as $5,000 each to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO).

“This provincial emergency disproportionately impacts remote First Nations communities, many of which remain at risk,” notes McKay. 

“CUPE’s support to First Nations and Métis communities ensures we continue to live up to our commitment towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities, whether in the workplace, in times of disaster, or in times of rebuilding”.

Gina McKay who also serves as CUPE National General Vice-President for the Prairies notes a donation of $50,000 was also made by CUPE National to support relief efforts in Saskatchewan. 

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union, representing more than 750,000 members. In Manitoba, CUPE represents approximately 38,000 members working in health care facilities, personal care homes, home care, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries, and family emergency services.