WINNIPEG – The government of Manitoba says it has signed an agreement that allows Manitoba’s 12,000 nurses to be redeployed to priority regions across the healthcare system in the province’s fight against COVID-19. Health Minister Cameron Friesen and Manitoba Nurses Union Darlene Jackson announced the agreement that would permit nurses to be shifted to long term care homes, ICUs, and other COVID-19 hotspots, and provide those nurses with extra pay.
Minister Friesen says the memorandum of agreement would allow for work flow, location, and scheduling flexibility to ensure the rapidly-evolving needs of patients and personal care home residents are being met. He also points out that those who work at facilities impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks, have their normal work schedule disrupted, or have to travel for a reassignment will get pay allowances, reimbursement, or other compensation under the agreement. Jackson says the deal helps give nurses the security they need and recognition they deserve, while enabling them to keep working when and where they’re needed most.