Pallister addresses border reopening at Western Premiers' Conference
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said the reopening of borders is “inseparably linked” with vaccination uptake.
Pallister was asked about interprovincial travel at the conclusion of the virtual Western Premiers’ Conference on Tuesday.
“Any discussion around reduction of border barriers has to also recognize the reality of the vaccine as the way out of this mess,” Pallister said.
Pallister said they didn’t have a lot of discussion surrounding vaccine cards for interprovincial travel, noting different provinces are at different levels of conversation of whether or not it would be a useful tool.
“The ultimate goal is, of course, to have no barriers as we once enjoyed without thinking about it,” Pallister said. “We can’t get there unless we have uptake on vaccine.”
Health care and mental health were among the topics of discussion at the virtual meeting.
Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq said COVID-19 has shown the limitations of the health care system --- both fiscally and with regards to human resources. The premiers are calling for reoccurring funding through the Canadian health care transfer.
After 16 months of lockdowns and the anticipated long-term effects, the premiers said they’ll need dedicated programs, services and funding to help address mental health and addictions issues.
They also discussed post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, and infrastructure during the meeting.
Pallister spoke about the value of developing resources --- notably hydroelectricity --- and stressed the importance of getting more goods to market.
“Whether it’s hydroelectric or other products, we’re ready to do go,” Pallister said, adding a focus on transportation of these products is vital.
Pallister also mentioned the need for partnerships in projects like the Lake Manitoba-Lake St. Martin outlet channel to prevent flooding.
“This is where work with the federal government is vitally important in order to help facilitate the development of certain projects,” Pallister said.
Pallister said these types of projects will help create jobs post-pandemic and the opportunity to create more wealth.
The premiers also addressed the need to do better for Indigenous and Muslim committees, stating, “hate has no place in Canada.”
Earlier Tuesday, the Ontario government announced $10 million to search former residential school sites for unmarked graves.
When asked if Manitoba will announce similar funding, Pallister said the province is already partnering with the federal government and First Nations communities on a number of projects.
“The real history and the real reality of our country needs to be looked at, scars and all, and it needs to be looked at together in a spirit of partnership,” Pallister said. “This is how we built this country, but we didn’t build it perfectly and we need to acknowledge that.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.