The provincial government is calling on the federal government to help with the influx of asylum seekers crossing into Manitoba, from the United States.

Premier Brian Pallister says it is a national challenge, and the two levels of government have to work together.

"We know that this is a large challenge," says Pallister. "And so, today's announcement is about that. In a sense, it's about empowering those who've been doing commendable work in the

past, but we need to recognize this is a national issue, and it requires a national approach. And that's what we're encouraging the federal government to participate in."

Pallister describes the potential partnership with Ottawa as an improved approach. 

"It would look better in terms of sharing information, it would be more coordinated in terms of supporting and working with front-line service providers, it would look cooperative in nature, it would look a lot more concerned with getting results, and with addressing concerns that are not likely to go away, and that we must recognize this is going to be an ongoing challenge," he says. "We will face this challenge, but we need the whole country to join together."

Thursday's announcement includes 14 units of emergency housing in response to the growing need for temporary shelter for refugee claimants. These units, which will be available immediately, will be managed in partnership with Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC)/Welcome Place and will also include space for support services.

There will be $70,000 in funding for Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) to support a refugee response co-ordinator for 2017-18. This position will support co-ordination efforts related to refugee resettlement and refugee claimant supports. MANSO is an umbrella organization for immigrant and refugee service providers in Manitoba. The organization provides core settlement services, language training, employment services and welcoming communities programs.

There will also be $110,000 in funding for Welcome Place for 2017-18 to support services for refugee claimants including paralegal services and safe transportation from Emerson to Winnipeg.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the provincial government and look forward to continuing to collaborate as we provide emergency shelter and other supports to those in the greatest need,” says Rita Chahal, Executive Director for Welcome Place. “The ability of our community to pull together is unmatched and we have no doubt that Manitobans will continue to open their hearts.”

The Government of Manitoba has also been approached by the Paramedic Association of Manitoba (PAM) and is finalizing details that will see primary care paramedics located in the community of Emerson on a temporary basis. This agreement will provide medically trained personnel within the community to supplement the efforts of local first responders in delivering emergency care to those most in need.

“Our members understand the community of Emerson is dealing with a challenging situation at the moment and we are happy to be able to offer our expertise in order to boost the resources available to respond to medical situations within the region,” says PAM Chairman Cameron Ritzer.

The government also announced support for programs that assist refugees and refugee claimants in finding employment as soon as they are able to work legally in Canada.

“There is an increased need for direct employment and labour market support, in the form of initial and ongoing educational programming including language of work,” says Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart. “We are pleased to be able to proceed with an innovative model that will deliver employment specific skills training and workplace preparedness. This model will link newcomers with employment opportunities and will allow them to develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.”

“Our government is grateful for the opportunity to participate in what is a true community response to this difficult situation,” says the Premier. “We are pleased to be able to offer support to the community of Emerson, front-line workers, community support networks and to those seeking safety and hope in Canada. We will continue to work with our partners both locally and in the federal government to develop a national response to this national issue.”