The Government of Canada announced that all provinces and territories have confirmed, or are in the process of confirming, plans to cost share wage top-ups for their essential workers
The Government of Canada will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers
Each province or territory will determine which workers would be eligible for support, and how much support they will receive
It includes eligible employees at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, IWK Health Centre and in long-term care, home care and in-home support and emergency health services
Employees who volunteered to be redeployed to work at a facility experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak will also receive this benefit
Manitoba:
The province is increasing its support for students and post-secondary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing more matching funding for the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MSBI) for the 2020-21 academic year
The province will match all funds raised by universities and colleges for the MSBI for the year, dollar for dollar
In addition, the separate Manitoba Bursary program, which provides up-front financial support to students in need, has been increased by $1.8 million for 2020-21 to a total of $17.3 million
The province is increasing infrastructure investments by an additional $500 million as part of an economic stimulus package to help restart Manitoba’s economy
The $500-million investment through the Manitoba Restart Program announced today will expand on the significant already-planned infrastructure investments of $3 billion over the next two years
British Columbia:
The provincial government announced plans to restarting the province beginning in mid-May
Under B.C.’s Restart Plan, the government will work closely with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations to lift restrictions in phases
B.C. is currently in Phase 1 of the restart plan. Phase 2, which will begin in mid-May, includes:
Small social gatherings
A resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling
Provincial parks open for day use
Opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans
Recalling the provincial legislature for regular sittings
