After having no one in Cabinet devoted to labour issues for nearly six years, Premier Stefanson appointed Reg Helwer as the new Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection, and Government Services today – a move that is long past due.
“This pandemic has shown us all how critical public services are, and why we need to invest in the people who provide them, “said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Appointing a Minister of Labour is a good first step in showing front-line workers, and all Manitobans, that the government is committed to resetting the relationship with workers in Manitoba. But it’s just that. A first step.”
MB Federation of Labour President, Kevin Rebeck, agreed, adding what this government does to support working people over the next few months will matter most.
“There is a desperate need for government to fix chronic staffing shortages in health care and other areas of the public sector, as well as to create permanent paid sick days so that Manitobans are not forced to choose between going to work sick to pay the bills or staying home to protect public health,” Rebeck said.
Ross said the new Minister must be aware there is a lot of work to do to restore MGEU members’ confidence in this government after relentless cuts, privatization, wage freezes, strikes, and contracts that have been ignored for years.
“Hopefully, now we can look forward to focusing on ensuring all workers feel supported in their jobs and respected for their dedication to serving Manitobans.”
The addition of the Labour Minister portfolio was announced as part of the Premier’s first cabinet shuffle since she took office in November. Here are all of the Cabinet positions announced today:
Seniors and long-term care (new): Scott Johnston
Health: Audrey Gordon
Mental health and community wellness (new): Sarah Guillemard
Transportation and infrastructure: Doyle Piwniuk
Sport, culture and heritage: Andrew Smith
Municipal relations: Eileen Clarke
Economic development, investment and trade, deputy premier: Cliff Cullen
Justice and attorney general: Kelvin Goertzen
Finance: Cameron Friesen
Natural resources and northern development: Scott Fielding
Environment, climate and parks: Jeff Wharton
Labour, consumer protection and government services: Reg Helwer
Education and early childhood learning: Wayne Ewasko
Agriculture: Derek Johnson
Advanced education, skills and immigration: Jon Reyes
Status of women, Families: Rochelle Squires
Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations: Alan Lagimodiere