WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is providing emergency support for refugees crossing the Emerson border.
Premier Pallister says Manitoba bearing the brunt of incoming refugees
Speaking at Welcome Place Thursday morning, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said that the influx of recent refugees coming to Canada has been borne mainly by his province.
Included in today’s announcement were the following:
- 14 units of emergency housing in response to the growing need for temporary shelter for refugee claimants. These units, which will be available immediately, will be managed in partnership with MIIC/Welcome Place and will also include space for support services.
- $70,000 in funding for MANSO to support a refugee response co-ordinator for 2017-18. This position will support co-ordination efforts related to refugee resettlement and refugee claimant supports.
- $110,000 in funding for Welcome Place for 2017-18 to support services for refugee claimants including paralegal services and safe transportation from Emerson to Winnipeg.
Premier Pallister calls Manitoba refugee influx a ‘national challenge’
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister is calling on the federal government to formulate a national response to the recent influx of refugees crossing the Canada/U.S. border, specifically in Manitoba.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba is also close to finalizing a deal that would put primary care paramedics within the community of Emerson.
The Premier also stressed the importance of working with the federal government on a long term solution to the sudden increase in refugee claimants arriving in the country.
Since January 1, more than 100 refugees have crossed the border illegally at the Emerson border.
Premier Pallister outlines how Manitoba is responding to the refugee influx
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister outlined to the media Thursday morning what steps his government is taking to address the recent influx of refugees crossing from the United States into his province.