Federal government’s position on Manitoba border-crossers questioned
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba and federal governments have been unable to resolve a dispute over refugee funding because they cannot agree on how many claimants walking across the border stay in the province.
The Progressive Conservative government asked for federal help in Feburary to provide housing, education and other services for an influx of asylum-seekers entering the country near Emerson, Man. Education Minister Ian Wishart said there have been ongoing discussions but no firm commitments.
“There’s been no specific commitments. They’re certainly willing to talk, which is a good sign,” Wishart said. “And we will work with them on that and try and find some solution.”
Welcome Place, a non-profit agency that has provided short-term shelter, paralegal services and other help to most of the recent arrivals, has also asked the federal government for money.