Eligible workers will be able to receive a $5 per hour wage top-up from the province during a popular program's second wave of applications.

Until January 18, caregivers making $25 per hour or less could be getting a temporary wage boost with the Caregiver Wage Support Program.

"The Manitoba government has partnered with the federal government in cost-sharing the program, which recognizes low-income and middle-income workers who have been integral in supporting the province’s pandemic response. The Manitoba government is providing $18 million, with the federal government contributing the remaining $17 million," the province says in a statement.

Those eligible includes:

  • Health care aide or equivalent
  • Housekeeping staff
  • House Supervisor
  • Direct Service Worker (CLDS, CFS, FVPP and Shelters)
  • Youth Care Worker/ Practitioner
  • Recreation Worker
  • Rehabilitation Worker

Those positions must come from a:

  • Child and Family Services (CFS) Group Home
  • Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) shift-staffed group home or 24/7 cluster living arrangement
  • Emergency Placement Resources shelter
  • Family violence prevention shelter
  • Homeless shelter
  • Personal care home
  • Retirement residence
  • or Supportive housing residence

The province says dietary aides, nutritional aides, kitchen staff, maintenance staff, home care workers, reception, administration or clerical staff are not eligible.

This program first began taking applications on December 7 with applications closing on December 14 for the work period between November 1, 2020 and January 10, 2021. That first intake had 19,400 applications, spending $16.3 million. The province says the average applicant made an additional $850 during that time period. 

The province has since reopened the application process to allow for more claims. It will cover hours worked between December 7 and January 10. 

The funds will directly be paid to the workers on or before January 25. 

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