Manitoba cheques will come with thank you

WINNI PEG • When Manitoba seniors receive a special cheque from the provincial government later this month, they’ll also get a letter from Premier Brian Pallister.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the move may come across as partisan activity on the public dime, but Pallister says he’s simply thanking seniors in a non-partisan way.

“I’m going to send a letter with ( the cheques) to thank and congratulate our seniors, and I’ll probably sign that, darn right,” Pallister said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

“Six months into a newly elected government with a strong mandate, we’re making a decision to try to show support, affection — quite frankly — and respect for our seniors.”

Pallister announced last week that every senior, regardless of income level, would get $ 200 to help deal with extra costs related to the COVID- 19 pandemic, such as grocery deliveries.

Some critics have said the plan, which will cost the provincial treasury an estimated $45 million for about 225,000 seniors, is flawed because it is not targeted to low- income seniors and offers nothing to those in need under 65.

Pallister, who turned 65 last year, has said he will donate his cheque to charity and urged others to do the same.

Todd Mackay, prairie director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said attaching a letter from the premier to the cheques is fishy.

“This isn’t the premier’s money. This is coming from taxpayers.”