Manitoba government increases funding for job program following backlash – Winnipeg

The Manitoba government has partially reversed a funding cut to a provincial summer jobs program following backlash from community groups. Municipal Relations Minister Ian Bushie announced an additional $300,000 for the Green Team program, which supports non-profit groups and municipalities in hiring young people during the summer.

This decision comes after the government reduced the program’s funding from $9.6 million to $5.6 million, sparking criticism from various organizations. Bushie met with a camping association and other groups to address their concerns and understand the impact of the funding cut.

“We’re looking to support them as best we can,” Bushie stated, hinting at possible further adjustments to the funding. The $4 million budget cut had a significant impact on sports groups, museums, non-profit camps, and other organizations that rely on the program for summer job opportunities.

Baseball Manitoba highlighted that some local associations were left without funding to maintain parks and diamonds due to the budget cut. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives expressed skepticism about the additional $300,000, stating that many groups would still be left out.

Trevor King, the Tory municipal relations critic, emphasized the need to fully restore funding to last year’s level to support the affected organizations. The government’s decision to partially reverse the funding cut reflects a willingness to listen to community concerns and work towards finding solutions to support youth employment opportunities in Manitoba.