POSTPONED: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have postponed this event until Honourable Health Stefanson, Minister of Health & Seniors Care, is able to return to her portfolio duties. Thank you for your understanding.

Manitobans care deeply about the state of our healthcare system and the dedicated people working within. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a health crisis like nothing else in our recent history — an exhausting marathon for healthcare professionals — which has tested their limits and forced systems to operate at maximum capacity for 15 long months. As the province moves through Wave 3, our vaccine roll-out is well underway with youth ages 12 to 17 now eligible, second dose appointments opening up today, and more than 54% of Manitobans ages 18+ having received one dose of vaccine. But we have a long road ahead of us which will require significant healthcare system investments.

COVID-19 has exposed and preyed upon health inequities affecting our most vulnerable populations, thrusting housing, the long-term care system, and other key factors into the spotlight. There is also growing concern about the “twin-demic” — the immediate physical illness pandemic to be followed by a mental health pandemic created by the prolonged isolation, loneliness, financial strain, job loss, worry about others’ safety, increased substance use, and many other factors that can negatively affect emotional well-being.