Winnipeg’s Mayor and Manitoba’s Premier Join Forces to Tackle Homelessness
Following their first post-election meeting, Winnipeg’s mayor, Scott Gillingham, and Manitoba’s premier-designate, Wab Kinew, have pledged to join forces in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in the city. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of finding coordinated solutions and expressed a shared commitment to making a positive change.
Mayor Scott Gillingham stated that addressing homelessness and addiction is at the top of their agenda in Winnipeg. Highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach, he emphasized the critical need for collaboration between the city and the provincial government. Premier-designate Wab Kinew echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that homelessness is a top priority that demands immediate attention. Kinew stressed the need to improve the current situation, expressing empathy for those living in bus shelters or tents and affirming that nobody in Manitoba wishes to see such challenging conditions persist.
During the election campaign, Kinew’s NDP party pledged to end chronic homelessness within a span of eight years, displaying a firm commitment to tackling this pressing issue. Expanding on their plans, Kinew also reaffirmed that the provincial government would not freeze municipal funding. Instead, they would provide a multi-year funding framework to municipalities. Although specific details regarding the increase in funding or the allocation of growth revenue to municipalities were not disclosed, Kinew acknowledged the validity of Mayor Gillingham’s request and stated that discussions behind closed doors would ensue.
The conversation further touched upon Winnipeg’s vital infrastructure projects, such as the $2.336-billion North End sewage treatment plant upgrade. Recognizing the infrastructure investment’s significance, Kinew acknowledged the necessity of completing the project. He stressed the importance of determining the various requirements and financing involved before committing a specific amount of funding. Mayor Gillingham had previously requested additional funding from the provincial and federal governments following a significant increase in the bill for the biosolids facilities project, the second phase of the three-phase upgrade.
As Winnipeg’s mayor and Manitoba’s premier-designate join forces to tackle homelessness, their shared commitment sets an optimistic tone for enacting meaningful change. By addressing this critical issue through coordinated efforts, they aim to improve the lives of those affected and create better conditions for all Manitobans.
