Manitoba’s healthcare system is improving but leaders agree it is not yet where it needs to be.
At the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce MBiz Breakfast on February 11, 2026, healthcare and business leaders gathered for a focused discussion on system performance, workforce sustainability, and the role healthcare plays in Manitoba’s economic competitiveness.
In her keynote address, Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba, outlined measurable gains since 2023, particularly in physician recruitment and nursing capacity. Manitoba has seen the largest net gain of physicians in its history, and nurse staffing trends are moving in the right direction. However, she emphasized that progress does not equal completion.
“Health care is better than it was in 2023 but is nowhere near good enough,” Desilets said. “But it can be.”
While access to a family doctor is now slightly better than the national average, 187,000 Manitobans remain without one. Emergency departments continue to face the longest wait times in Canada, and diagnostic testing access remains significantly slower than the national benchmark. Retention remains a pressing concern, with Manitoba keeping only about one-third of its medical graduates and continuing to lose more physicians to other provinces than it gains. The moderated panel reinforced the need for collaboration and system transformation.
Dr. Kent Stobart, President and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba, underscored the importance of system change: “Collaboration and partnerships are key” he said. “We need to work with partners to create a convenient system. We need to build data infrastructure.”
Jonathon Lyon, President and CEO of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, emphasized that modern tools are central to retention. “The kids these days want the tools of the trade. If we don’t have that stuff, people won’t stay.”
Theresa Oswald, CEO of Doctors Manitoba, called for coordinated action. “It begins with passion and commitment. We need to want it. We need a plan… we’re starting that today.”
The consensus was clear: Manitoba is making progress, but sustained investment in retention, digital modernization, and cross-sector partnership will determine whether the province can become a national leader in healthcare delivery.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce thanks our event partners, 6P Marketing, Bioscience Association of Manitoba, Miller Environmental Corporation, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba Egg Farmers, CPHR Manitoba, Travel Manitoba, Manitoba Egg Farmers, Winnipeg Free Press, Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, QDoc, Care Possible, and Victoria Lifeline.
Their support helps bring Manitoba’s business community together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and shape the province’s path forward.
