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“During the last provincial election, the Conservatives vowed to protect public services and the workers who deliver them. Now, we are hearing a different story from the Premier.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (01 March 2017) —The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) is ramping up its Keep Us Together campaign, with new radio and online ads aimed at urging the Premier to keep his election commitment to protect the public services that Manitobans count on.
Manitoba government threatening cuts, despite election promise to protect public services
“During the last provincial election, the Conservatives vowed to protect public services and the workers who deliver them,” said Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President. “Now, we are hearing a different story from the Premier.”
In recent months, the Premier and his government have announced cuts to health care services, including the closure of a Quick Care Clinic and cancellation of urgently needed personal care home beds. The Premier has also threatened legislation to impose cuts on public sector workers.
“There is a growing gap between what Premier Pallister promised to do, and what his government is actually doing,” Gawronsky said. “Manitobans expect the government to balance the budget in a way that respects its commitment to protect public services."
Public priority for budget is protecting public services, not cutting them
According to a Viewpoints Research survey conducted in May 2016, Manitobans remain strongly opposed to cutting the public services they rely on every day. When asked to consider a variety of strategies to reduce the deficit, 74 per cent opposed cutting public services. And protecting public services was the most commonly chosen priority for the upcoming budget.*
“With the provincial budget coming this spring, now is the time to hold the government to their promises,” Gawronsky said. “We need to let this government know that Manitobans expect them to honour their commitments regarding public services and jobs.”
To listen to the radio ad The New Brian and share the campaign message on social media, go to KeepUsTogether.ca.
*According to a May 2016 Viewpoints survey, Manitobans' top priorities for the upcoming budget were as follows:
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44% Protect health care, roads, justice and other public services
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28% Stimulate the economy and help create jobs
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13%Reduce taxes