NDP Candidate Bernadette Smith Condemns Pallister’s Funding Cuts to North End Organizations

WINNIPEG – Bernadette Smith, the NDP candidate for Point Douglas, strongly condemns the Pallister government’s decision to cut funding for North End non-profit organizations, including the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre and North End Women’s Centre.

“Cutting funding for organizations that provide critical front-line services to the most vulnerable is shameful,” said Smith. “Instead of investing in our future, the Pallister government has once again broken its promise to protect front-line services that serve Point Douglas women and families.”

Today it was learned that the Pallister government quietly cut $120,000 from the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre — a devastating hit for a small non-profit organization. NPDWC staff are community members, volunteers, and sometimes even clients of the organization. In addition, they have cut funding for the North End Women’s Resource Centre, which provides safe space for women and families escaping violence, including exploited women and children.

“These cuts will hit vulnerable children and families in our community the most, and will take jobs out of the area,” added Smith. “The government needs to stop these cuts, and I call on all the candidates in this race to join me in making sure they hear that message.”

Smith also noted the Pallister government has refused to fund additional shelter beds at Red Road Lodge despite repeated requests from the community.

Smith is a long-time community activist, born and raised in Point Douglas. Her advocacy work on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and as a founding member of the Drag the Red initiative has earned her national recognition and the Order of Manitoba. She is currently a teacher with the Seven Oaks Division WayFinders program and serves on a number of inner-city volunteer boards.

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Media Contact:
Lindsay Stewart
bernadettesmith@todaysndp.ca
204-505-3020

NT5