Matt Wiebe

This National Nursing Week, let’s show Manitoba nurses our gratitude with more than just our words. Manitoba Nurses Union has been fighting for a new contract for years, but has only been met with wage freezes and empty "thank yous" from the Pallister government. This is disrespectful to the workers who have been saving countless lives throughout this pandemic. Our NDP team will keep calling on the Pallister government to show their appreciation for nurses with a fair contract and the resources in the workplace they deserve.

Over 128,000 vaccines are sitting in fridges here in Manitoba, unused. We have the supply to get Manitobans vaccinated, yet the PC government fails to meet their vaccination targets by thousands of doses every single day. Yesterday, I asked the Minister to commit to opening vaccination clinics 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure we get Manitobans vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Today, Manitoba saw almost 500 new cases of COVID-19, and the test positivity rate is over 11 percent in Winnipeg. Meanwhile, provincial modeling is putting potential ICU numbers at sky-high rateseven higher than our second wave'sby the May long weekend. The government must do whatever it takes to protect Manitobans. They should make transmission and modelling data public, take the necessary steps to protect the most vulnerable, and ensure we're getting vaccines out the door quicker.

From EAs to bus drivers and custodians to clinicians, we all rely on school support staff to ensure our kids get the best possible education. Unfortunately, Bill 64 is another excuse for the PC government to cut these valuable support positions. School support staff and the students who rely on them deserve better. Join Wab Kinew and I tonight for a virtual town hall to learn how Bill 64 will impact these vital school support staff, and to learn about how you can fight back.

The Pallister government's Bill 37 will take authority away from democratically elected municipal governments in Manitoba. Instead of listening to cities, towns, and municipalities, the Province wants to put more power into the hands of developers and Pallister's political appointees. Thank you to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities alongside the numerous municipal leaders who raised concerns and spoke out against this bill at legislative committee. Your voice as community leaders from every corner of Manitoba is important, and the Pallister government needs to listen to your priorities.

Do your part and get your shot, Elmwood! All residents of the Chalmers, East Elmwood, Glenelm, TalbotGrey and TyneTees neighbourhoods, or anyone working designated front-line jobs in these areas like teachers or grocery store workers, who are ages 18 and up are now eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine. For more details on eligibility criteria and to book your appointment, visit https://protectmb.ca/. Let's all do our part to protect our community.

In celebration of the 30th annual Week of the Early Childhood Educator, I wish to extend a huge thank you to all ECEs and childcare workers across Concordia and our province. Throughout this pandemic, you have continued to provide an invaluable service to Manitoba families and the essential workers keeping our province moving. Thank you! Despite the pandemic, the Pallister government has continued their relentless cuts and funding freezes to public childcare. Whether it's ong...oing operating funding freezes for daycare centres who struggle to provide resources for kids or pay staff a living wage; the government's proposed cut of the enhanced nursery operating grant that would mean less funding for infants and higher childcare fees for struggling families; or millions of dollars in spending promises that fail to materialize and go unspent; the government's continued disregard for public childcare and those working in the field is unacceptable. To every ECE and childcare worker out there, you deserve better. To every childcare centre who has prevailed despite the past five years of cuts and additional struggles due to the pandemic, your work and advocacy is appreciated. Thank you today and always for your continued work!

Parents, students, and educators alike across Manitoba are worried about Bill 64. The PCs' power grab would silence local voices and cause chaos in our classrooms. That's why the Manitoba NDP is committed to fighting back. Learn how you can join our campaign and stand up against Bill 64 this Thursday at 7:00 PM by joining our Facebook Live

Families in Manitoba have been hit hard by the second wave of the pandemic, yet the Conservative government continues to drop the ball. Between healthcare cuts, reckless holiday travel, or a delayed vaccine rollout, the PCs have spent months mismanaging this pandemic. Firing the Health Minister won't fix that. There's nothing in their recent cabinet shuffle that will fundamentally change the government's approach. 2021 needs to be a year for recovery. We'll keep pushing for a government that's in it for all of us by stopping cuts and privatization, investing in front line services like healthcare and schools, and makes life more affordable for Manitobans.

Happy New Year! Last year wasn't easy. We've all had to make commitments, sacrifices, and changes in our lives to protect the vulnerable and keep our loved ones safe. Our Manitoba NDP Caucus team will keep working to make sure the government matches those commitments and helps build a strong recovery for Manitoba this new year. Wishing all Manitobans a safe, happy, and prosperous 2021.

This holiday season has been like no other before. Many of the usual holiday events in our community were put on hold and families have been forced to alter their annual traditions to stay safe. It’s been a tough year. But The commitments and sacrifices made by Manitobans, both during the holidays and throughout the year, are helping save lives and preparing us for a brighter 2021. ... Our NDP team will continue pushing for a government that matches Manitobans’ commitments and puts people first.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! While today is normally a time many of us would spend gathering with friends, family, and loved ones, this holiday season has been anything but normal. Thank you to everyone who continues to do your part and stay home to flatten the curve and save lives. We're all in this togetherthere is a light at the end of the tunnel.... Wishing everyone hope, joy, and love this holiday season.

While Manitobans can't gather for the annual Legislature open house this year, join me tonight at 6pm by staying home and tuning in to the virtual Legislative Holiday Show on YouTube. Local artists performing include the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, William Prince, The Lytics, Sweet Alibi, JP Hoe, Al Simmons, Rayannah, Duncan Mecredi, and even a special performance from Manitoba's 57 MLAs. Don't miss it!