“Manitobans have been through a lot in the last few weeks, months and years, from the pandemic to the floods, the unjust war in Ukraine, and now we’re experiencing inflationary pressures,” Premier Heather Stefanson said at a news conference Wednesday to announce the $87 million package . “It’s clear that many Manitobans are being affected. While Manitoba families are resilient, this abnormal economic situation has created the perfect storm, with unprecedented cost increases hitting us everywhere we turn.” Manitoba families with children and a family income of less than $175,000 in 2021 will receive a benefit check of $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child. An estimated 145,000 families will receive an average of about $440, for a total of $63 million, the province said in a news release. An estimated 52,500 seniors with a family income of less than $40,000 who rent or own a home and claim the education tax credit on their 2021 income tax return will receive a $300 check in the mail. In total, the seniors’ portion will total $16 million. “This [package] represents nearly 200,000 payments going out the door and 282,000 children will benefit from those checks,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen. The remaining $8 million of the $87 million total will go to Manitobans receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) through an increase in the basic needs rate beginning in October 2022. EIA general assistance clients without dependent children will receive an additional $50 per adult each month. All EIA disabled customers will receive an additional $25 per household each month. Stefanson was asked why the benefits are limited to certain individuals and not the entire population. In Quebec, everyone with an income under $100,000 gets a $500 cheque, while the same amount is given to all Saskatchewan residents who are 18 or older and have filed a tax return. “We believe this is the most responsible and practical approach to helping those most in need at this time,” he said. He then called on the federal government to “step up” and do its part. Specifically, he said he needs to stop the carbon tax to give Manitobans a break. “Inflationary pressures are not just a provincial issue,” Stefansson said. “Yes, we need to spend carefully for our long-term financial future. but we also know that Manitobans need help right now … to ease the pressure and make life more affordable, especially for those who need it most.” Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says the latest affordability measures are focused on families with children and low-income seniors. (CTV) Friesen said Manitoba’s approach is different from other provinces because “we’re focused on families with children, we’re focused on low-income seniors.” “Our desire is to move these checks quickly and that’s why we set a limit. A province like Saskatchewan has not set a limit,” he said. Manitoba’s approach “broader and more fairly” distributes benefits to those most in need, Friesen said. The government took over during the COVID-19 relief efforts when broad benefits were distributed without any limit, he said. As for those not benefiting from the latest announcement, Stefanson said the affordability package is a continuation of relief measures the province has taken and will continue to take, such as the child care subsidy program, the phase-out of education property taxes , raising the minimum wage, creating a tax credit for renters and providing rebate checks to vehicle owners. “So maybe this particular one today doesn’t affect that person, but I can tell you there are a lot of other programs that I’ve already mentioned that will have a positive impact on those people,” he said. Stefanson also said a temporary grant program called the food security fund will support food banks and other community organizations that provide food relief to Manitobans. He did not specify how much money would be provided or when it would be made available. Vince Barletta, CEO of Harvest Manitoba, the province’s largest food bank, said he still needs to see the details of this grant, but he expects it will go a long way toward helping food banks hit hard by food and fuel increases. He praised the increase in EIA rates as something that will have a big impact on people on welfare. It’s the first across-the-board rate increase in nearly 20 years, he said. “We’re talking about people who, when they go to the grocery store every week, have $30 in their pocket to feed themselves. So an extra $50 a month is going to help a lot of those people.” Barletta was asked about the lack of support for non-elderly individuals and said Wednesday’s announcement won’t be a solution to all the challenges Harvest sees, but it will make a difference to many.
title: “Manitoba Government Hands Out Dollars To Help Families Cope Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-25” author: “Richard Myers”
“Manitobans have been through a lot in the last few weeks, months and years, from the pandemic to the floods, the unjust war in Ukraine, and now we’re experiencing inflationary pressures,” Premier Heather Stefanson said at a news conference Wednesday to announce the $87 million package . “It’s clear that many Manitobans are being affected. While Manitoba families are resilient, this abnormal economic situation has created the perfect storm, with unprecedented cost increases hitting us everywhere we turn.” Manitoba families with children and a family income of less than $175,000 in 2021 will receive a benefit check of $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child. An estimated 145,000 families will receive an average of about $440, for a total of $63 million, the province said in a news release. An estimated 52,500 seniors with a family income of less than $40,000 who rent or own a home and claim the education tax credit on their 2021 income tax return will receive a $300 check in the mail. In total, the seniors’ portion will total $16 million. “This [package] represents nearly 200,000 payments going out the door and 282,000 children will benefit from those checks,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen. The remaining $8 million of the $87 million total will go to Manitobans receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) through an increase in the basic needs rate beginning in October 2022. EIA general assistance clients without dependent children will receive an additional $50 per adult each month. All EIA disabled customers will receive an additional $25 per household each month. Stefanson was asked why the benefits are limited to certain individuals and not the entire population. In Quebec, everyone with an income under $100,000 gets a $500 cheque, while the same amount is given to all Saskatchewan residents who are 18 or older and have filed a tax return. “We believe this is the most responsible and practical approach to helping those most in need at this time,” he said. He then called on the federal government to “step up” and do its part. Specifically, he said he needs to stop the carbon tax to give Manitobans a break. “Inflationary pressures are not just a provincial issue,” Stefansson said. “Yes, we need to spend carefully for our long-term financial future. but we also know that Manitobans need help right now … to ease the pressure and make life more affordable, especially for those who need it most.” Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says the latest affordability measures are focused on families with children and low-income seniors. (CTV) Friesen said Manitoba’s approach is different from other provinces because “we’re focused on families with children, we’re focused on low-income seniors.” “Our desire is to move these checks quickly and that’s why we set a limit. A province like Saskatchewan has not set a limit,” he said. Manitoba’s approach “broader and more fairly” distributes benefits to those most in need, Friesen said. The government took over during the COVID-19 relief efforts when broad benefits were distributed without any limit, he said. As for those not benefiting from the latest announcement, Stefanson said the affordability package is a continuation of relief measures the province has taken and will continue to take, such as the child care subsidy program, the phase-out of education property taxes , raising the minimum wage, creating a tax credit for renters and providing rebate checks to vehicle owners. “So maybe this particular one today doesn’t affect that person, but I can tell you there are a lot of other programs that I’ve already mentioned that will have a positive impact on those people,” he said. Stefanson also said a temporary grant program called the food security fund will support food banks and other community organizations that provide food relief to Manitobans. He did not specify how much money would be provided or when it would be made available. Vince Barletta, CEO of Harvest Manitoba, the province’s largest food bank, said he still needs to see the details of this grant, but he expects it will go a long way toward helping food banks hit hard by food and fuel increases. He praised the increase in EIA rates as something that will have a big impact on people on welfare. It’s the first across-the-board rate increase in nearly 20 years, he said. “We’re talking about people who, when they go to the grocery store every week, have $30 in their pocket to feed themselves. So an extra $50 a month is going to help a lot of those people.” Barletta was asked about the lack of support for non-elderly individuals and said Wednesday’s announcement won’t be a solution to all the challenges Harvest sees, but it will make a difference to many.
title: “Manitoba Government Hands Out Dollars To Help Families Cope Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-12” author: “Elizabeth Thomas”
“Manitobans have been through a lot in the last few weeks, months and years, from the pandemic to the floods, the unjust war in Ukraine, and now we’re experiencing inflationary pressures,” Premier Heather Stefanson said at a news conference Wednesday to announce the $87 million package . “It’s clear that many Manitobans are being affected. While Manitoba families are resilient, this abnormal economic situation has created the perfect storm, with unprecedented cost increases hitting us everywhere we turn.” Manitoba families with children and a family income of less than $175,000 in 2021 will receive a benefit check of $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child. An estimated 145,000 families will receive an average of about $440, for a total of $63 million, the province said in a news release. An estimated 52,500 seniors with a family income of less than $40,000 who rent or own a home and claim the education tax credit on their 2021 income tax return will receive a $300 check in the mail. In total, the seniors’ portion will total $16 million. “This [package] represents nearly 200,000 payments going out the door and 282,000 children will benefit from those checks,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen. The remaining $8 million of the $87 million total will go to Manitobans receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) through an increase in the basic needs rate beginning in October 2022. EIA general assistance clients without dependent children will receive an additional $50 per adult each month. All EIA disabled customers will receive an additional $25 per household each month. Stefanson was asked why the benefits are limited to certain individuals and not the entire population. In Quebec, everyone with an income under $100,000 gets a $500 cheque, while the same amount is given to all Saskatchewan residents who are 18 or older and have filed a tax return. “We believe this is the most responsible and practical approach to helping those most in need at this time,” he said. He then called on the federal government to “step up” and do its part. Specifically, he said he needs to stop the carbon tax to give Manitobans a break. “Inflationary pressures are not just a provincial issue,” Stefansson said. “Yes, we need to spend carefully for our long-term financial future. but we also know that Manitobans need help right now … to ease the pressure and make life more affordable, especially for those who need it most.” Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says the latest affordability measures are focused on families with children and low-income seniors. (CTV) Friesen said Manitoba’s approach is different from other provinces because “we’re focused on families with children, we’re focused on low-income seniors.” “Our desire is to move these checks quickly and that’s why we set a limit. A province like Saskatchewan has not set a limit,” he said. Manitoba’s approach “broader and more fairly” distributes benefits to those most in need, Friesen said. The government took over during the COVID-19 relief efforts when broad benefits were distributed without any limit, he said. As for those not benefiting from the latest announcement, Stefanson said the affordability package is a continuation of relief measures the province has taken and will continue to take, such as the child care subsidy program, the phase-out of education property taxes , raising the minimum wage, creating a tax credit for renters and providing rebate checks to vehicle owners. “So maybe this particular one today doesn’t affect that person, but I can tell you there are a lot of other programs that I’ve already mentioned that will have a positive impact on those people,” he said. Stefanson also said a temporary grant program called the food security fund will support food banks and other community organizations that provide food relief to Manitobans. He did not specify how much money would be provided or when it would be made available. Vince Barletta, CEO of Harvest Manitoba, the province’s largest food bank, said he still needs to see the details of this grant, but he expects it will go a long way toward helping food banks hit hard by food and fuel increases. He praised the increase in EIA rates as something that will have a big impact on people on welfare. It’s the first across-the-board rate increase in nearly 20 years, he said. “We’re talking about people who, when they go to the grocery store every week, have $30 in their pocket to feed themselves. So an extra $50 a month is going to help a lot of those people.” Barletta was asked about the lack of support for non-elderly individuals and said Wednesday’s announcement won’t be a solution to all the challenges Harvest sees, but it will make a difference to many.
title: “Manitoba Government Hands Out Dollars To Help Families Cope Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-08” author: “Joy Mckenna”
“Manitobans have been through a lot in the last few weeks, months and years, from the pandemic to the floods, the unjust war in Ukraine, and now we’re experiencing inflationary pressures,” Premier Heather Stefanson said at a news conference Wednesday to announce the $87 million package . “It’s clear that many Manitobans are being affected. While Manitoba families are resilient, this abnormal economic situation has created the perfect storm, with unprecedented cost increases hitting us everywhere we turn.” Manitoba families with children and a family income of less than $175,000 in 2021 will receive a benefit check of $250 for the first child and $200 for each additional child. An estimated 145,000 families will receive an average of about $440, for a total of $63 million, the province said in a news release. An estimated 52,500 seniors with a family income of less than $40,000 who rent or own a home and claim the education tax credit on their 2021 income tax return will receive a $300 check in the mail. In total, the seniors’ portion will total $16 million. “This [package] represents nearly 200,000 payments going out the door and 282,000 children will benefit from those checks,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen. The remaining $8 million of the $87 million total will go to Manitobans receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) through an increase in the basic needs rate beginning in October 2022. EIA general assistance clients without dependent children will receive an additional $50 per adult each month. All EIA disabled customers will receive an additional $25 per household each month. Stefanson was asked why the benefits are limited to certain individuals and not the entire population. In Quebec, everyone with an income under $100,000 gets a $500 cheque, while the same amount is given to all Saskatchewan residents who are 18 or older and have filed a tax return. “We believe this is the most responsible and practical approach to helping those most in need at this time,” he said. He then called on the federal government to “step up” and do its part. Specifically, he said he needs to stop the carbon tax to give Manitobans a break. “Inflationary pressures are not just a provincial issue,” Stefansson said. “Yes, we need to spend carefully for our long-term financial future. but we also know that Manitobans need help right now … to ease the pressure and make life more affordable, especially for those who need it most.” Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says the latest affordability measures are focused on families with children and low-income seniors. (CTV) Friesen said Manitoba’s approach is different from other provinces because “we’re focused on families with children, we’re focused on low-income seniors.” “Our desire is to move these checks quickly and that’s why we set a limit. A province like Saskatchewan has not set a limit,” he said. Manitoba’s approach “broader and more fairly” distributes benefits to those most in need, Friesen said. The government took over during the COVID-19 relief efforts when broad benefits were distributed without any limit, he said. As for those not benefiting from the latest announcement, Stefanson said the affordability package is a continuation of relief measures the province has taken and will continue to take, such as the child care subsidy program, the phase-out of education property taxes , raising the minimum wage, creating a tax credit for renters and providing rebate checks to vehicle owners. “So maybe this particular one today doesn’t affect that person, but I can tell you there are a lot of other programs that I’ve already mentioned that will have a positive impact on those people,” he said. Stefanson also said a temporary grant program called the food security fund will support food banks and other community organizations that provide food relief to Manitobans. He did not specify how much money would be provided or when it would be made available. Vince Barletta, CEO of Harvest Manitoba, the province’s largest food bank, said he still needs to see the details of this grant, but he expects it will go a long way toward helping food banks hit hard by food and fuel increases. He praised the increase in EIA rates as something that will have a big impact on people on welfare. It’s the first across-the-board rate increase in nearly 20 years, he said. “We’re talking about people who, when they go to the grocery store every week, have $30 in their pocket to feed themselves. So an extra $50 a month is going to help a lot of those people.” Barletta was asked about the lack of support for non-elderly individuals and said Wednesday’s announcement won’t be a solution to all the challenges Harvest sees, but it will make a difference to many.
