The Province of Manitoba is seeking laboratory services to test hazardous materials in residential areas

The province of Manitoba appears to be seeking laboratory services to test for potentially hazardous materials in Manitoba housing, and those living in some publicly subsidized spaces say there will be a lot of samples, unfortunately.

“I spend most of my money on cleaning supplies and I'm so tired,” said Victoria Gardner, a disabled person with a weakened immune system.

She says she got sick from something moldy in her Manitoba apartment suite at 444 Kennedy St., and when she raised her concerns with management, she was ignored.

“I stopped talking to them because I felt small. I felt like I didn't matter,” he explained.

“I need to come home and rest and not worry about whether or not I'm going to have trouble breathing.”

Covering mold spots with tape, Gardner says he understands water damage in the building due to a roof leak and can already hear dripping from some walls, saying the province needs to take action to make sure that happens. People living in Manitoba housing units are safe.

“It's not good, just because we're subsidized — we still pay rent — and we're supposed to be respected by Manitoba Housing officials — we're not.”

The work sought by the province, according to the request for tender, which closes April 25, is for asbestos, mold, drinking water, sewage and sewage testing, as well as soil testing, rodon testing and other services as needed.

CityNews tried to get more information from the government about the RTF and its purpose, but a response was not immediately received.

Others in the building echo Gardner's concerns and agree that something must be going on.

Asked if she thought lab services might be helpful, she said she would welcome any effort to address the materials in her home that make her sick.

“I can't afford to move — and I don't want to — and they have to help me clean up.”