The Manitoba Government says it will match all money raised for post-secondary scholarships and bursaries through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has previously been giving $1 for every $2 raised by post-secondary institutions, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said at a Wednesday press conference.
“It is a challenge for post-secondary institutions to raise money anytime to raise money for scholarships and bursaries,” said Pallister.
“With the economy in the present state it’s in, we expect that these challenges will not be less.”
“As a consequence we want to make sure that we’re taking steps to lessen the burden on our post-secondary institutions during this pandemic and at the same time we want to make sure that the scholarships and bursaries are available to those who need them at the time they need them.”
Pallister said the changes to the government’s matching program will be in effect for this year only.
Pallister said the government had planned to increase funding to the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative to $10 million in this spring’s budget, but instead is boosting the funding to $15 million.
“Students are the future of our province,” he said. “We’re giving them greater financial support because we believe it’s important to help stimulate our economy now and move the province forward in the future.
“Well-trained young people are going to play a key role in making sure that is what happens.”
Earlier in the day Wednesday Manitoba health officials announced two new cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the province’s total number of cases to 284.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, said five people are in hospital, and none are in ICU. There have been 242 recoveries and there are still 35 active cases.
The death toll remains at seven.
Pallister’s bursary announcement comes at a time when his Progressive Conservative government has ordered universities and colleges to cut labour costs over the summer to help cushion the financial blow of the pandemic.
For public schools and post-secondary institutions, the aim is to temporarily cut payroll costs for four months — through job-sharing, reduced work weeks or layoffs — to save $89 million, or 1.3 per cent over the full fiscal year.
Pallister was unable to say how many jobs would be affected.
“That’ll be determined by the management decisions that are made, in discussion and consultation with the labour force that they manage,” he said.
The Opposition New Democrats accused Pallister of hiding the real numbers.
“This government has definitely received information that would tell them how many jobs are going to be cut as a result of … the orders that they’re giving,” NDP Leader Wab Kinew said.
Also Wednesday, the government’s Crown-owned auto insurance corporation received regulatory approval for a previously announced plan to offer one-time rebates to drivers.
With fewer people driving during the pandemic, insurance claims have dropped enough to prompt Manitoba Public Insurance to mail out cheques worth about $150 for the average policy-holder.
–With files from the Canadian Press
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
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