Better health care for Riel

Riel

As your MLA for Riel, I’m pleased to share several important developments that will strengthen health care access, support older adults, and make everyday interactions with our health system simpler and more reliable for families across Manitoba.

One of the most significant steps forward is the creation of the Manitoba seniors’ advocate, an independent office dedicated to ensuring older adults receive the support, dignity, and care they deserve. The seniors’ advocate will provide a clear, trusted voice who will be monitoring services, identifying gaps, and advocating for improvements across housing, health care, transportation, and social supports. This is an important commitment to transparency and accountability, and it reflects what many of you have told me – seniors deserve a champion who is fully focused on their wellbeing.

We are also modernizing how Manitobans access their health information with the launch of the digital health card; this follows the shift to a plastic health card last year. This secure, convenient option allows you to carry your Manitoba Health coverage right on your smartphone. For families juggling multiple cards, or anyone who has ever misplaced one, this is a practical improvement that brings our health system into the digital age. Instructions for obtaining both the digital and plastic cards are on the Manitoba Health website – www.gov.mb.ca/health – or you can always contact my office for assistance.

The province has also introduced www.MediNav.ca, an online system designed to make booking medical appointments faster and more user friendly. MediNav allows you to search for available appointments, manage bookings, and receive reminders, all in one place. This is part of a broader effort to reduce frustration, cut down on phone line wait times, and give Manitobans more control over their own care.

Finally, I’m proud to highlight the expansion of extended hours clinics at Victoria Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital. These clinics offer evening and weekend access for non emergency health concerns, helping reduce pressure on emergency rooms while giving families more flexibility. Early feedback from patients and front-line staff has been encouraging, and this model will continue to evolve based on community needs.

Each of these initiatives – supporting seniors, improving digital access, simplifying appointment booking, and expanding clinic hours – reflects a commitment to building a health system that works better for everyone. I’m grateful for the conversations I’ve had with residents across Riel, and I’ll continue bringing your voices forward as we work to strengthen care in our province.

Together, we’re building a healthier, more responsive Manitoba.

If you have questions about the new seniors’ advocate, digital health card, MediNav, or if you need help accessing any provincial services, my constituency office is here to help. Please call our constituency office at 204-421-4666 or email mike.moyes@yourmanitoba.ca