The province is giving Manitoba seniors some support to help deal with additional costs generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Brian Pallister announced the establishment of the new $45 million Seniors Economic Recovery Credit under the Manitoba Protection Plan.

“Senior citizens across the province are facing increased financial hardships because they now have to pay extra for grocery deliveries, or purchasing and learning to use technology at home so they can communicate with their family members and the loved ones they miss. Manitobans are working together to navigate this challenging time and seniors throughout our province deserve our help and support," explained Pallister.

Under the plan, Manitobans aged 65 and older will receive a one-time, refundable tax credit of $200. Seniors who filed their 2018 income tax return prior to April 1, 2020, will receive a cheque as a credit advance. Almost every senior across the province will receive the payment in May. The $200 credit will not be counted taxable as income and will not be used to claw back income-tested benefits to seniors, the premier noted.

According to Pallister, almost every senior across the province will receive the payment in May and the $200 credit will not be counted taxable as income and will not be used to claw back income-tested benefits to seniors.