Well–Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is here with great news on that very topic. The province has hired 1,255 new health-care workers in the past nine months of 2024. This historic influx is a big step towards tackling the persistent staffing crisis that has long plagued our health-care system. While on his trip, Kinew didn’t shy away from confronting health-care workers. He further underscored the administration’s notable commitment to expanding and reinforcing the workforce.
Manitoba routinely has a historical trend of being a net loser in interprovincial migration. This smart policy move helps explain the current hiring drive. Additionally, overall in-migration into the province has been booming, thanks to record-level international immigration. Consequently, conversations around labor mobility regulations are needed now more than ever. Key figures in the health sector are weighing in on how easing these rules could impact Manitoba’s health care landscape.
Support for Labor Mobility
Dr. Joss Reimer, the Winnipeg-based president of the Canadian Medical Association, applauded the federal move to relax labor mobility barriers. He concludes that greater physician mobility across provinces will be a step forward in improving the overall quality of care.
“I think if not now, then when?” – Dr. Joss Reimer
Reimer stressed that getting rid of barriers to interprovincial movement shouldn’t be expected to lead to an immediate talent drain out of Manitoba. Right now, he explained, it’s not so simple. Instead, he argued for a balanced approach, stating, “I would rather make things better in Manitoba and keep those nurses.” Finally, he calls out the importance of producing a welcoming ecosystem for healthcare talent. At the same time, he appreciates the need to give them the flexibility to move when it makes sense.
Manitoba Cabinet Minister Jamie Moses further expressed the hope that increasing labor mobility can be a real boon. He pointed out that improving the ease of travel between jurisdictions would have an exponential positive effect on the province. This change would make it a more appealing option for health-care professionals.
“These are the opportunities that we’re selling to the rest of the country, on top of being a beautiful province with great opportunities, culture and life,” – Jamie Moses
Union Concerns Over Staffing Challenges
There seems to be a belief from union leaders that increased hiring will lead to more positive labor mobility. They’re worried about broader implications of these changes. Darlene Jackson, a leader in one of America’s largest health-care unions, spoke out against making it easier to recognize credentials. She fears it would only exacerbate the staffing crisis gripping Manitoba’s health-care system.
“It just worries me that nurses are going to take this as an opportunity to strike out and look for greener pastures,” – Darlene Jackson
Jackson focused on wanting to keep nurses in her province’s system instead of allowing them to exit for more lucrative prospects. She stated, “I really don’t want this to be a way out of Manitoba,” reinforcing the need for strategic planning to ensure that staffing levels remain stable.
In counter to these challenges, Jackson pointed to a recent collective bargaining agreement that has staffing alleviations built in to address the pressures. This new settlement will be welcomed relief as Manitoba looks to buy up talent in a competitive global market.
Addressing Licensing Challenges
The question of timely licensing for moved health-care professionals continues to be a major hurdle for most. Dr. Anna Wolak noted that some nurses who have moved to Manitoba are struggling with the licensing process, which can hinder their ability to work effectively in the province.
Doctors Manitoba, a physician advocacy organization, has said they would be open to pursuing pan-Canadian licensing projects. The organization thinks these changes would make the process a lot simpler. They want to reduce barriers that would make it easier legally and administratively for health-care workers to practice across provincial lines.
At the same time as these discussions have evolved, Manitoba has begun putting formal protocols in place to let cardiac patients know their wait time for surgery. This joint effort is intended to increase transparency and promote high-quality, patient-centered care as part of ongoing reforms to our health-care system.
