Manitoba premier defends universal seniors’ cheque, says he’ll donate his

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister’s office says he will donate to charity a seniors’ cheque his government is awarding to everyone 65 and over.

Pallister, who turned 65 last year, announced universal $200 cheques for seniors earlier this week — a one-time payment to help pay for grocery deliveries and other costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Critics have said the plan is flawed because it gives money to people regardless of income level, including Pallister.

Pallister says an income-based benefit would have taken months to set up, whereas the universal program will see cheques issued very soon to any senior who filed a 2018 tax return.

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Pallister was asked by a reporter whether he knew of seniors planning to donate their cheques to charity and whether he would do the same.

The premier didn’t initially answer whether he would donate his money, but his staff later followed up to advise that he will indeed.

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