The provincial government's calling on the federal government to help with the influx of refugees crossing into Manitoba, from the United States.

Premier Brian Pallister held a news conference this morning in Winnipeg on the matter, saying it's a national challenge, and the two levels of government have to work together.

"We know that this is a large challenge. And so, today's announcement is about that. In a sense, it's about empowering those who've been doing commendable work in the past, but we need to recognize this is a national issue, and it requires a national approach. And that's what we're encouraging the federal government to participate in."

Pallister describes the potential partnership with Ottawa as an improved approach. He was asked how that would look.

"It would look better in terms of sharing information, it would more coordinated in terms of supporting and working with front-line service providers, it would look cooperative in nature, it would look a lot more concerned with getting results, and with addressing concerns that are not likely to go away, and that we must recognize are going to be an ongoing challenge. We will face this challenge, but we need the whole country to join together."

Included in today’s announcement were the following:

• 14 units of emergency housing in response to the growing need for temporary shelter for refugee claimants.  These units, which will be available immediately, will be managed in partnership with MIIC/Welcome Place and will also include space for support services.

• $70,000 in funding for MANSO to support a refugee response co-ordinator for 2017-18.  This position will support co-ordination efforts related to refugee resettlement and refugee claimant supports.

• $110,000 in funding for Welcome Place for 2017-18 to support services for refugee claimants including paralegal services and safe transportation from Emerson to Winnipeg.