The Government of Manitoba is adding two new cabinet positions with an emphasis on first responders and accessibility, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.
In a release, the provincial government said Carla Compton, MLA for Tuxedo and a registered nurse, will serve as minister responsible for accessibility. David Pankratz, MLA for Waverley and a former firefighter, will serve as minister responsible for first responder initiatives.
“Manitobans of all ages who are living with a disability deserve the support they need to achieve their goals,” said Kinew. “Our government has taken steps to improve disability services, but we know we need to do more to support families and caregivers. In her new role, Minister Compton will listen to Manitobans with lived experience and workers in the sector to help shape the Manitoba government supports.”
Kinew added that first responders are on the frontlines of an ongoing drug crisis and the objective is to support them and address “burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder”.
Compton’s mandate will include improving service co-ordination and creating a clearer path to supports, while Pankratz will focus on strengthening mental health and workplace support, improving presumptive coverage and bringing first responders more directly into government work.
Robert Loiselle, MLA for St. Boniface, will serve as special envoy for military affairs, taking on the role previously held by Pankratz.
