Manitoba’s Budget Puts Emphasis on Health Care, Despite $800 Million Deficit
Manitoba’s new NDP government has revealed its inaugural budget with Premier Wab Kinew at the helm.
The budget places a significant emphasis on health care, reiterating the NDP’s election promises from last fall to enhance health care services and make life more affordable.
At a press conference on April 2, Mr. Kinew stated, “The challenge we face in health care won’t disappear overnight. However, with the investments outlined in this budget, you can expect to see improvements in health care this year.”
The budget outlines plans for the hiring of 100 doctors, 210 nurses, 90 paramedics, and 600 health-care aides within the next year. It also includes promises to increase hospital and ICU beds, launch new minor injury and illness clinics, and primary care clinics.
The province has also announced plans to open emergency rooms in Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg and in a hospital in Eriksdale, a community approximately two hours northwest of Winnipeg.
Mr. Kinew added, “We recognize the need for staff to accommodate these expansions, which is why our health-care commitment prioritizes staffing. We are encouraged by progress in recruitment and retention that allows us to move forward with the emergency room commitments made during the recent election.”
