14 emergency housing units funded to help refugees
The government of Manitoba today announced funding to help refugee claimants who illegally enter Manitoba from the United States.
“Manitoba has always been a safe and welcoming place, and Manitobans have a well-deserved reputation within Canada for compassion and willingness to help those in need,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “Just as we have opened our arms to newcomers for centuries, our province continues to provide significant supports to those organizations offering direct services to refugee claimants. Our focus remains on measures that will ensure both the welfare of refugee claimants and the continued safety and security of residents of border towns.”
More than 111 refugees have crossed into Manitoba seeking asylum so far in 2017 and over the past 10 months that number is closer to 400.
The province has said that they will provide $70,000 to the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organization (MANSO) to help with the refugee response co-ordinator. This funding is for a position that currently exists but is intended to secure the position into 2018.
$110,000 will go to Welcome Place for 2017-18 to support services for refugee claimants including paralegal services and safe transportation from Emerson to Winnipeg.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the provincial government and look forward to continuing to collaborate as we provide emergency shelter and other supports to those in the greatest need,” said Rita Chahal, executive director, Welcome Place.
Paramedic Association of Manitoba (PAM) has been in contact with the government and is finalizing details that will see primary care paramedics located in Emerson on a temporary basis to provide support to local first responders with medically trained personnel.
“Our members understand the community of Emerson is dealing with a challenging situation at the moment and we are happy to be able to offer our expertise in order to boost the resources available to respond to medical situations within the region,” said Cameron Ritzer, chairman, PAM.
-News4 Staff-
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