WINNIPEG – Environment Canada says the frigid temperatures across Manitoba will likely continue all week. The agency says very cold air shattered records in the prairies already, with all time lows reaching -49.9 C northern Saskatchewan. The province is under an extreme cold warning after high pressure in the north allowed the chilly air mass to hover above southern Manitoba, where wind chill values sit at -40 or colder.

Manitoba’s Liberals say this weather is a reminder of the need for immediate action to help Winnipeg’s homeless. Leader Dougald Lamont says Manitobans need to act now or people could die in this cold. Lamont is recommending 24-hour warming centres, free masks in bus shelters, and a central command centre to coordinate outreach work.

Earlier this past week the province announced nearly $470,000 in new partnerships with Main Street Project, Made with Love, and SSCOPE to support the homeless and low-income Manitobans. Families Minister Rochelle Squires says the province is committed to supporting those experiencing homelessness, and will continue to work with community partners to protect vulnerable Manitobans. The province says they’re investing $3.5 million to expand capacity at homeless shelters, which includes 110 new beds at Main Street Project and 50 at Siloam Mission, and 20 units to house at-risk youth.