Manitoba’s premier was in Thompson Friday as part of a two-day tour of northern Manitoba.

 

Heather Stefanson says filling vacant jobs and public safety were some of the issues discussed with local leadership.

 

“Obviously shortage of labour is very significant when it comes to law enforcement and when it comes to fire fighters or paramedics. These are challenging issues not just here in Thompson and not even just in Manitoba but across the country. This is why we come out and we meet with people to see what the needs are right now. The safety of our citizens is the most important issue. What we can do to work together to make the community safer.”

 

Stefanson toured a couple of the winter weather testing sites in the area, and stated the industry is a unique opportunity to diversify the economy in the north.

 

When asked what she would do with this information when she returns to Winnipeg, the premier said the government would work collaboratively to find solutions, adding that she has a -quote- “proven track record”.

 

In addition to Thompson, Stefanson and her ministers made stops in Churchill and Flin Flon.