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May 4, 2020
New information
Number of cases: 281 (confirmed and presumptive) as of Sunday May 3
Total number of recovered Manitobans: 237
Manitoba Gap Protection Plan online portal
The provincial government’s online portal to facilitate business applications to the Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) is now live. The MGPP provides an interest-free, forgivable $6,000 loan to small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba that have experienced hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health orders. Loans are available to businesses that fail to qualify for the various federal government assistance programs and wage subsidies created because of COVID-19. Click here to access the online application form. Applicants must have:
- a valid Manitoba Business Number;
- a Companies Office registry number;
- good standing with the Companies Office;
- Manitoba Workers Compensation Board and Manitoba Retail Sales Tax account numbers, if applicable;
- the sole proprietor’s social insurance number (SIN) as well as one other partner’s SIN (if the business is a partnership);
- business email address; and
- business bank account information for purposes of depositing the payment.
Pesticide Applicator/Dealer licenses
The provincial government made special accommodation this year to keep in line with Public
Health Directives. New applicators/dealers will be able to get their pesticide category necessary for their licence by taking an open book, online timed exam in 2020. In 2021, they will be required to take the closed book exam in order to comply with licence requirements. Click here for more information on this change.
PPE shortages for pesticide application
Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, along with Manitoba Conservation and Climate, have released an advice document for handling pesticides in light of shortages of required PPE for application. Click here to read the full document.
Private rail grade crossings fact sheet
KAP has developed a fact sheet for farmers on the issue of private rail grade crossings. At the end of March 2020, some landowners with railway crossings on their property received letters from Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) seeking private crossing agreements and outlining required upgrades to those crossings. Click here for more information.
FCC mental health webinar
In the uncertain world of COVID-19, more than ever, people need to take care of their mental health and stress. Please join us for a special Microsoft Teams virtual presentation with Dr. Georges Sabongui, psychologist and stress expert. The webinar will focus on:
- Managing the unmanageable
- Putting the oxygen mask on yourself first
- How not to fall into isolation
- Staying connected without losing human connection
The webinar will take place Wednesday at 2pm and is free of charge. Click here to register.
Wellness Together Canada portal
Wellness Together Canada is an online portal dedicated to mental wellness and substance use support. It connects Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls, and makes it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues. Click here to access the portal.
CFA news release – agriculture and agri-food emergency fund
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has asked the Federal Government to provide an Agriculture and Agri-Food Emergency Fund of $2.6 billion to help maintain food security in Canada in response to COVID-19. This amount is based on estimates of the immediate impacts of COVID-19 provided by agricultural commodity groups across the country. The emergency fund is required because of the shut down of the food service sector, processing plant closures and other supply chain disruptions and increases in labour and associated costs. It should be noted that this figure was representative to the losses as of last week and losses and additional costs will continue to mount as farmers deal with the impacts of COVID-19, highlighting the continued importance of enhancing AgriStability support. Click here to read the full release.
Federal Government COVID-19 updates
The federal government has developed an email portal to share the latest COVID-19 updates with you. Click here to register.
Health-related information
Expanded COVID-19 testing capacity
Effective immediately, the provincial government and Shared Health are expanding testing criteria to any Manitoban with symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms including a cough, runny nose, sore throat and/or fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba. The Manitoba government and Dynacare have entered into a partnership that will see up to 2,000 tests a day before the end of summer. With Cadham Provincial Lab’s capacity at over 1,000 tests daily, the province expects to have testing capacity of well over 3,000 tests a day, tripling the provinces current testing capacity. Manitobans are reminded that if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and meet testing criteria, they can call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 for more information.
Federal government modelling data
The federal government has released updated modelling data to show the spread of COVID-19 and to attempt to forecast future outbreaks. The modelling attempts to show how the epidemic might unfold over the coming months based on our knowledge of how the virus behaves and the potential impact of public health measures. Click here to access the latest modelling information.
Screening tool
Shared Health’s online screening tool is available and is the recommended first step that Manitobans should take prior to calling Health Links or attempting to visit a doctor’s office. Click here to access the online screening tool.
Testing facilities
A reminder that all testing facilities are to be accessed by referral from Health Links and are not walk-in clinics. The provincial government has announced more rural testing sites will be open in the coming days. Testing facilities at this time are:
| Town |
Facility |
Address |
Hours of Operation |
| Winnipeg |
St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool |
644 Parkdale St. |
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
Weekends, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Sergeant Tommy Prince Plance |
90 Sinclair St |
| Thompson |
Thompson Clinic |
Plaza Mall |
Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Flin Flon |
Channing Auditorium |
2 North Avenue |
| The Pas |
Royal Canadian Legion |
4 Veterans Way |
| Brandon |
Brandon Town Centre |
800 Rosser Ave |
Daily 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Selkirk |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
622 Superior Ave |
Daily 9:00AM to 4:00PM |
| Steinbach |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
365 Reimer Ave |
Daily 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
| Winnipeg |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
15 Barnes St. |
Daily 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
1284 Main St. |
Daily 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Winkler |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
600 Park St. |
Daily 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
| Portage |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
Stride Centre, 245 Royal Rd. |
Daily 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
| Eriksdale |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Stie |
35 Railway Ave |
Daily 10:00AM to 3:00PM |
| Pine Falls |
École Powerview School |
33 Vincent St |
Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM |
| Dauphin |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
217 Industrial Rd |
Daily 10:00AM to 3:00PM |
| Swan River |
Drive-Thru Community Testing Site |
125 Fourth Ave. North |
Daily 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM |
Industry-specific information
Provincial wildfire protection measures
In light of current events and as a wildfire prevention measure, provincial burn permits issued under The Wildfires Act within the burning permit area will be limited to only essential crop residue burning and other required agricultural, municipal or industrial operations. Burning within the burning permit area requires the approval of an officer and may include a site inspection. Contact a Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information. The latest information on municipal and provincial burn restrictions can be found at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire. Provincial burn permit holders must comply with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development’s guidance on crop residue burning and their municipality’s burning permit conditions, where applicable. Daily guidance for crop residue burning will be posted by 11 a.m. at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-residue-burning-program/index.html.
Prescription safety eyewear and optometry appointments
Effective Monday, May 4, optometrists’ offices will be able to accept appointments for Prescription Safety Eyewear jobs, including eye examinations. COVID-19 safety measures and physical distancing will still be in place at all offices. Please call ahead before visiting – it may be a week or two before optometric offices are able to see the usual number of patients.
Manitoba reopening framework
As of May 4, a variety of non-essential healthcare and retail businesses will have the option to reopen under strict guidelines. All businesses and venues will be required to continue following social distancing and stringent cleaning practices to protect both employees and customers. Size restrictions of public and private gatherings of no more than 10 people will remain in place. Everyone is expected to continue to follow social distancing rules at all times and to stay home if they are sick. Travel restrictions will remain in place such as avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Manitoba, and requirements for self-isolation for 14 days following travel will continue.
As of Monday, the following restrictions are in place as part of Phase 1:
- schools will remain closed
- non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures restored
- therapeutic and health care services restored
- retail businesses reopen
- restaurants - patio/walk-up services restored
- hairstylists and barbers reopen
- museums, galleries and libraries reopen
- outdoor recreation and campgrounds reopen
Phase 2 of this plan will come into place no earlier than June 1. Click here for full details of all phases of the plan and the proposed timelines.
CFA write your MP campaign
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has launched a letter writing campaign to Members of Parliament, urging them to ensure that Canada’s food supply is a top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture warns that without priority support from the federal government, the Canadian agriculture sector cannot ensure our domestic food supply will remain secure for the immediate and long-term benefit of all Canadians. Click here for more details and to write your MP.
Responsibilities of employers during COVID-19
The provincial government has developed a resource for employers when it comes to managing employees who may be ill during COVID-19. Employees, managers and employers all have a role to play in reducing the risk of COVID-19. Click here to view the resource.
KAP statement – business risk management programming
KAP has released a statement calling on both the federal and provincial governments to work towards strengthening business risk management programming available to farmers and producers. As an industry, we are concerned that the immediate impact felt by beef, pork, and potato producers in Manitoba could have a lasting effect. Click here to read the full statement.
Application for Manitoba Summer Student Job program
The Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program promotes the hiring of high school and post-secondary students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides wage subsidies to employers from the private and not-for-profit sectors to employ students aged 15 to 29. In addition to traditional summer jobs, students can help organizations and businesses adapt their workplaces and public spaces to the public health requirements of COVID-19. Click here for full application details.
CRA tax deadlines and information
The Canada Revenue Agency has put together a helpful resource on new deadlines for both tax filing and payments due to COVID-19. Click here for more information.
Public Safety Canada PPE survey
In an effort to better understand the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs of critical infrastructure partners, Public Safety Canada is launching a second survey to capture more in-depth data with respect to supply and demand regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including sanitization products and COVID-19 testing kits. Click here to take the survey.
Manitoba General Inquiry line
We have received several questions from producers surrounding the application of the provincial public health order and how it could impact different businesses and operations. The province advises you to contact the Manitoba General Inquiry by email at mgi@gov.mb.ca or by phone at 1-204-945-3744 or 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862). All health-related calls should be directed to Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.
Manitoba Economic Support Centre
The provincial government has launched a call centre for business owners with questions about supports available during COVID-19. They can answer questions about both provincial and federal programming. To reach an agent at the Manitoba Economic Support Centre, call 1-888-805-7554.
Prairie Agricultural Climate Services Survey
KAP is working with the Prairie Climate Centre (PCC) in order to understand specific needs regarding climate services for farmers. A climate services network for the Prairie region is under development and KAP is looking to Manitoba farmers to provide input into what services will be useful as we continue to build resiliency within the agriculture industry. Examples of climate services include mapping, forecasting, workshops, and any other useful tools that farmers are using or would like to use to adapt to a changing climate. PCC is a Winnipeg based organization that communicates the science, impacts and risks of climate change through maps, documentaries, research reports, training and outreach. Click here to take the survey.
Environmental Farm Plan update
All in-person EFP workshops have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Manitoba Agriculture is now offering EFP workshops for farmers delivered on-line. To register, please call your local Manitoba Agriculture office to put your name on a wait list for an upcoming on-line workshop, and let the office know if your need is urgent. EFP reviews are being conducted remotely at this time. Please call or e-mail KAP’s office to get the contact information for the EFP reviewer in your area and set up a contact -free review of your EFP.
AgriStability enrollment deadline extended
The AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2020 program year has been extended without penalty, from April 30th to July 3, 2020. This extension will allow farmers more time to sign up for the program. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support.
Changes to Manitoba Employment Standards
The provincial government is moving forward with changes that would allow employees protected leave for eligible purposes. Employees would be able to take as much unpaid time off work as needed to:
- be in isolation or quarantine or take any other control measure in accordance with information or directions related to COVID-19 by health professionals, health officers, Health Links–Info Santé, the government of Manitoba or the Government of Canada, a municipal council or a board of health;
- obtain medical examination, supervision or treatment;
- comply with an order made under The Emergency Measures Act or The Public Health Act;
- provide care or support to a family member as a result of COVID-19, including but not limited to, school and daycare closures; or
- comply with travel restrictions.
The new provisions would apply to any leave that started between March 1, 2020, and a date to be prescribed in regulation, specified once the pandemic is over.
PPE drop-off locations
KAP is encouraging all producers with personal protective equipment that is not required for spring work to donate to the Manitoba health system. As Manitoba’s health system continues with preparations to ensure our province is prepared to meet the needs of our patients and to ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health care workers, donations of the following supplies are now welcome and greatly appreciated. Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies are not able to be accepted. Drop-off locations exist across Manitoba in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, Winkler and Steinbach. Click here for detailed locations for drop-off and donation requirements.
Jobs in the agricultural sector
Given that many Canadians have been laid off from their jobs and that there is still some uncertainty as to how the federal government is working to bring seasonal workers into the country, we are encouraging employers in our sector to post jobs on three sites:
We will begin to promote these sites on social media in effort to reach out beyond our industry. Our hope is that we can match job seekers with employers as we approach the busy spring season.
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