The Manitoba Government today committed $35 million towards a wage subsidy program for those working in personal care homes, homeless shelters, and other congregate settings.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson made the announcement, stressing the importance of the “frontline heroes”.

“Every day, thousands of Manitoba workers make our province a better place by showing compassion, care, and dedication as they support some of our most vulnerable citizens, offered Stefanson. “Their commitment has not wavered, despite the challenges and fears caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Caregiver Wage Support Program, our government is recognizing their ongoing commitment and the value of their critical work.”

More than 20,000 Manitobans working full-time or part-time will be eligible for the program. This includes health-care aides, housekeeping staff, direct service workers and recreation workers or anyone who provides direct care in disability services, child welfare services, homeless and family violence prevention shelters, long-term care facilities, or PCHs.

The program will bolster the income of those individuals who are making $25 per hour or less. Stefanson says eligible employees will receive an hourly $5 top-up to their wages, based on the number of hours worked between November 1 of this year and January 10 of 2021. Two intake periods will close on December 14 and January 18. The program benefit will be paid directly to workers by the province in the week after each intake period closes.

“In total, Manitobans working full time in these sectors will receive $1,800 more in the next two months,” noted Stefanson. “This funding is critical to supporting our staff as COVID-19 spreads.”


The Manitoba Government will be cost-sharing the program with the Government of Canada. Of the $35 million made available, $18 million is being provided provincially, and the other $17 million, federally.