More doctors, better access to care

Fort Rouge

Earlier this year, Manitoba celebrated a huge health care milestone: over 3,700 doctors in our province, more than we’ve ever had before. Since 2023 alone, more than 350 net new doctors have joined Manitoba’s hospitals and clinics.

Our government has worked to train the next generation, retain the doctors we have, and recruit from across the country and beyond, all with the goal of making sure more Manitobans can connect with the care they need close to home.

Part of that work has meant looking beyond our borders. We have actively recruited health care professionals from across Canada and internationally, including doctors from the United States and the United Kingdom. These professionals are choosing Manitoba because they want to work in a strong public health care system and be part of communities that value their skills and expertise.

The work we’re doing alongside our partners to train, retain, and recruit is having a real impact. Our province has gone from the worst to the best in Canada when it comes to access to a family doctor, and we lead the country in access to same day care. Communities across Manitoba, including right here in Fort Rouge, are benefiting from new doctors joining local clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms.

More options for primary care, including new clinics and expanded hours, are helping connect more people with the regular care that can help them stay healthy and reduce pressure on our hospitals and emergency rooms.

Even with the best primary care, there will always be times when you need to visit the ER, and we know wait times remain a concern for Manitobans. In addition to more doctors and nurses, our Budget 2026 has several important steps to improve patient flow and reduce delays. We’re creating dedicated spaces in ERs for mental health and cardiac care, and more options for folks who can leave the hospital but still need support. We are also adding social workers to emergency rooms and urgent care, to help make sure Manitobans have the supports they need for a safe discharge, and to help health care workers be able to focus on delivering health care services.

These changes will not solve every challenge overnight. Rebuilding health care takes time. But every new doctor recruited, every new clinic or ER opened, and every improvement to accessing care moves us in the right direction. We will keep working to strengthen services, support health care workers, and ensure all Manitobans can access the care they need when they need it.

Whether you need assistance or want to share your ideas for our community, our team is always here to help. If you have questions or would like to connect with our office, please visit us at 2-565 Osborne St., call 204-615-1922, or email wab.kinew@yourmanitoba.ca