Premier Brian Pallister has announced the province is extending 4.6 million dollars in direct and immediate financial support to low income Manitobans with disabilities during the pandemic.  He reported more than 23 thousand Manitobans need to rely on monthly benefits under the disability category of employment and income assistance and under the Disability Economic Support Program each of these Manitoban will receive a 200 dollar cheque in one time support in the mail in early June.  He added the payment will not be considered taxable income, it will not affect any other benefits that lower income Manitobans depend upon and this financial support will provide recipients with some of the additional help they need.

Pallister also announced support for the federal government’s proposed sick leave program noting a national program would ensure people can stay home from work whenever they are sick without fear of not being able to pay their bills and it will give the public confidence that the businesses and workplaces they visit are safe.