Faster medical equipment procurement, cash flow tax relief and expanded shelter capacity were announced by Premier Brian Pallister on Friday, April 3, 2020.
More than $100 million has been earmarked to accelerate the pace that Manitoba is procuring essential medical equipment, supplies, hotel capacity and other critical needs.
“This $100-million investment will allow us to support made-in-Manitoba products and solutions from local businesses to quickly help in our collective efforts to fight COVID-19 and protect Manitobans in the weeks and months ahead,” said Pallister.
Manitoba businesses that can rapidly scale up production or re-tool manufacturing line to develop products to help fight COVID-19 are asked to go to www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
The province has also ordered a number of measures be put in place to help provide immediate relief by deferring fees and charges.
Manitoba Hydro, Centra Gas and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have been ordered not to charge interest or penalties to those who are unable to pay their bills.
MPI also will be relaxing ordinary practices on police renewals and collections
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has been ordered to not charge interest on receivables from restaurants, bars and speciality wine stores.
Workers Compensation Board will not be charging penalties for late payments.
Hydro and Centra Gas will not disconnect customers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Provincial corporate and income tax filing deadlines and payments have been adjusted to coincide with the revised federal deferral of income tax to August 31, 2020.
The province is also removing PST on home and business property insurance effective July 1, 2020.
Shelter capacity will be increased by more than 140 beds to help people affected by homelessness.
“While many of us have the capacity to shelter at home, the reality is some of us do not,” said Pallister. “Through our Manitoba Protection Plan, our government will ensure people who don’t have a stable home have a place to stay safe and healthy as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic together.”
$1.2 million will be invested at several Winnipeg locations including adding 31 beds at a vacant Manitoba Housing building on Sargent Avenue which will be managed by Main Street Project. The Salvation Army shelter on Martha Street will see 35 additional beds while Siloam Mission will expand capacity by 50 beds. 26 beds at the Salvation Army’s SonRise Village will be made available for new clients.
© News4.ca 2020
