Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister’s office says he will donate to charity a seniors’ cheque his government is awarding to everyone 65 and over.
Pallister, who turned 65 last year, announced universal $200 cheques for seniors earlier this week — a one-time payment to help pay for grocery deliveries and other costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics have said the plan is flawed because it gives money to people regardless of income level, including Pallister. Pallister says an income-based benefit would have taken months to set up, whereas the universal program will see cheques issued very soon to any senior who filed a 2018 tax return. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] Pallister was asked by a