Winnipeg 
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister listens in as Justice Minister Heather Stefanson talks during a news conference at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg on Nov. 7, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
The Manitoba government plans to provide a wage top-up to people who work in group homes, homeless shelters and personal care homes as the spread of COVID-19 continues.
Families Minister Heather Stefanson says the $35-million wage support program is to provide an extra $5 an hour to about 20,000 front-line workers for two months.
Only workers making less than $25 an hour can apply.
There’s been surge of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba over the last few months and the province has bought in significant restrictions, including mandated masks in indoor public spaces and the closure of restaurants and bars.
Stefanson says the spread of infections in homeless shelters, group homes and other services is putting stress on front-line staff.
She says there are infections among workers and participants in 16 disability service agencies.
Caregiver Wage Support Program
What is it: Eligible employees will receive an hourly $5 top-up to their wages, based on the number of hours worked between Nov. 1, 2020, and Jan. 10, 2021. Two intake periods will close on Dec. 14, 2020, and Jan. 18, 2021.
Who is it for: Full time or part time workers like health-care aides, housekeeping staff, direct service workers and recreation workers. Those who provide direct care to vulnerable Manitobans at personal care homes or in disability services, child welfare services, homeless and family violence prevention shelters, or long-term care facilities.
Workers must earn a regular wage of $25 per hour or less.
How do you get the payment:
The program benefit will be paid directly to workers by the province in the week after each intake period closes.
How apply/register:
- Application Intake 1: December 7, 2020 to December 14, 2020
- Application Intake 2: January 11, 2021 – January 18, 2021
Applicants need Social Insurance Number, A void cheque for direct deposit, and hours worked (regular and overtime hours worked during the period).
Additional information on the Caregiver Wage Support Program, including information on how workers can register, is available online.
— With Files from The Canadian Press
