CUPE 500 is pleased with Mayor Gillingham’s proposed budget that includes funding for many CUPE 500 priorities.
“This budget is one that protects public services and doesn’t shy away from tough issues to get Winnipeg on the right track” said Gord Delbridge. “When it comes to economic growth, public safety and affordability, this is a budget that delivers.”
CUPE 500 has called on the City of Winnipeg to prioritize investments into the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, NEWPCC, which is accomplished in this budget with a $547 million dollar investment that will not only bring Winnipeg into compliance with provincial legislation, but allow for continued economic growth.
“After different governments delaying and trying to kick the can down the road, we are pleased to see Mayor Gillingham’s budget commit to funding the North End Water Pollution Control Centre and urge the Province and Federal government to do the same” said Delbridge. “This budget is getting the job done when it comes to ensuring that Winnipeg can continue to grow.”
CUPE 500 has supported the city’s Community Safety Officer initiative and is supportive of this budget’s plan to create 9 new positions to continue the important work of increasing downtown, transit and neighborhood safety.
“Community Safety Officers make transit safer, and encourage more Winnipeggers to use public transit, which is good for everyone” said Delbridge. “Mayor Gillingham is making a smart investment that will help keep transit and our neighborhoods safer.”
CUPE 500 is also pleased to see the city investing $2.5 million to improve safety at the Millenium Library and continue investments in both the South Winnipeg and East of the Red recreation complexes. “When you compare this budget to what we saw under previous administrations, there are no cuts. From swimming lessons, to libraries, to the Winnipeg canopy, this is a budget that protects frontline services and makes investments to improve services Winnipeg families count on.”
Finally, CUPE applauds this budget’s focus on affordability. This is a budget that doesn’t compromise service while still focusing on keeping life in Winnipeg affordable” said Delbridge. “This is a budget that keeps Winnipeg an affordable place to work, live and raise a family.”