News from the Government of Manitoba

The Province of Manitoba has set the 2025 rent increase guideline at 1.7%, effective from January 1, 2025. This rate, which is lower than the 2024 guideline of 3%, is calculated based on Manitoba’s consumer price index and applies to most residential rentals. Exemptions include rentals over $1,640 per month, certain government or not-for-profit units, and properties first occupied after March 2005. Landlords must provide tenants with a three-month notice before the rent increase takes effect.

Premier Wab Kinew and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara are visiting Thompson General Hospital to engage with healthcare staff as part of their listening tour in Thompson. This visit aims to address unique challenges in northern health care and gather input from front-line staff on improving health services and the professional environment. The tour has included several other health facilities and feedback from these visits will guide efforts to enhance Manitoba’s healthcare system and support healthcare workers more effectively.

The Manitoba government is implementing 68 transitional care beds across the province to alleviate emergency department congestion and enhance care continuity, announced by Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara. These beds, aimed primarily at seniors and other patients needing long-term or specialized care, are part of a strategy to improve patient flow and reduce wait times in hospitals. Already, almost half of these beds are operational, with full availability expected by year's end, supported by significant provincial funding and staffing efforts.

The Manitoba government has expanded its Security Rebate Program by $1.5 million, increasing support for individuals and businesses purchasing security devices like cameras and alarm systems. Launched in June, the initiative originally had a budget of $500,000, providing $300 rebates. Due to strong demand, the total funding has now been raised to $2 million to include more eligible security enhancements.

The Manitoba government is supporting the 211 Manitoba service with a $510,000 grant to United Way Winnipeg, ensuring continuous 24/7 access to social, health, and government services across the province. Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine highlighted the service's crucial role in connecting residents with necessary support through a helpline and online database. This initiative facilitates over 200 languages and aims to enhance partnerships and public awareness about the accessibility of crucial community resources.

The nomination period for the 2024 Manitoba Healthy Aging Awards is closing soon, on August 19. In celebration of Seniors Month this October, these awards honor the contributions of older Manitobans through three categories: Older Adult of the Year, Healthy and Active Living Ambassador, and the Intergenerational Impact Award. Each category recognizes the leadership, advocacy, or healthy lifestyle contributions that enhance the well-being of the senior community in Manitoba. For more details or to nominate someone, visit the Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care website.

Manitoba has maintained the lowest inflation rate in Canada for the sixth consecutive month, largely attributed to measures like the gas tax holiday, as reported by Finance Minister Adrien Sala. The state's consumer inflation rate stood at 1.4% in June, significantly below the national rate of 2.7%. This economic achievement spans across various sectors including rent, gasoline, and consumer goods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the provincial government's strategies to manage costs amidst high interest rates.

The Manitoba government, led by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, is inviting public feedback on the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation to identify and eliminate workplace barriers for people with disabilities. This regulation, first established in 2019, mandates accessibility in employment for various worker types and is subject to a mandatory review every five years. Manitobans are encouraged to participate through EngageMB, with the consultation process including surveys and virtual town hall sessions to gather diverse perspectives and enhance workplace accessibility.

In June, Manitoba added 3,100 jobs, indicating success in the government's economic strategies, as announced by Premier Wab Kinew. This job growth exceeded the national average, with a notable increase in full-time employment and the province achieving the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.1%. Kinew highlighted ongoing efforts to address living costs and economic challenges, while also noting that Manitoba has maintained the lowest gas prices and inflation rates in the country for five months.

The Manitoba government is set to enhance primary care access and reduce emergency room wait times by establishing a new minor injury and illness clinic at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara highlighted that this initiative fulfills a commitment to provide more accessible non-urgent health care, thereby alleviating pressure on emergency services and improving overall service. Scheduled to open in September, the clinic will offer extended hours and same-day appointments, catering to a variety of minor health issues.

The Canadian and Manitoba governments are investing $10.9 million in 32 projects to advance Manitoba's green initiatives. This funding, part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, aims to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote green jobs across various sectors including agriculture and community development. The initiative supports Manitoba's transition to renewable energy and strengthens industry competitiveness while aiming to achieve national emission reduction goals. See attached for a list of LCEF merit-based approved projects.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the WRHA’s successful recruitment of 256 new home-care aides, reducing vacancy rates from 24% to 10.5% since January 2023. This staffing increase has led to fewer cancellations and more home-care visits, enhancing the reliability of services for seniors. The improvements are part of ongoing efforts to provide dignified and compassionate care.

The Manitoba government has enacted several new laws following the spring session of the 43rd legislature. Key laws include the Unexplained Wealth Act and the Intimate Images Protection Act, which aim to strengthen public safety and combat organized crime. Other notable bills address adult literacy, safe access to abortion services, emergency medical response, workplace safety, community childcare standards, and the regulation of health professions.

A new EMS station has opened in Teulon, providing a modern hub for paramedics in the

Interlake region, announced Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara. The Manitoba

government invested $532,000 in the renovated facility, which offers modern amenities

and supports eight paramedics working 24/7. This investment is part of broader efforts to

enhance emergency medical services and includes a $16 million commitment to expand

paramedic job opportunities and training. This week is also Allied Healthcare

Professionals Recognition Week, celebrating the specialized skills of paramedics and

other health professionals.

As part of Budget 2024, the Manitoba government is enhancing emergency medical

services by adding more paramedics, ambulances, and expanding emergency patient

transport, announced Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara. The province is allocating

$124,000 to Red River College Polytechnic to add 16 training seats for advanced care

paramedics (ACPs) and investing over $16 million to expand job opportunities, including

a third ambulance in Brandon. Additionally, community paramedicine units will be

established across eastern, western, and northern Manitoba. Paramedic Week will be

celebrated from May 19 to 25 to honor their contributions.