Manitoba government offers more subsidies for businesses hit by COVID-19

The Manitoba government is extending and expanding a wage-subsidy program to spur job creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until now, the Back To Work program paid businesses who hired or brought back staff up to $5,000 per employee, to a maximum of five workers, through to the end of August.

Premier Brian Pallister says the program will be extended until the end of October, and the funds will be available for up to 10 workers at each business.

The program is also being offered for the first time to charities and non-profits as well.

Pallister says the money should help encourage employers to hire more people.

Statistics Canada reported last week that Manitoba has recorded the second-highest rebound in employment levels since the pandemic began, behind only New Brunswick.