The Portage la Prairie District & Chamber of Commerce hosted Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minster of Housing Addictions and Homelessness, Bernadette Smith on Tuesday at the Canad Inns.
Attendees listened to the state of the province and there was a question-and-answer period where the Premier listened to questions and concerns regarding many issues Manitobans are facing. Those who attended expressed optimism about the government's responsiveness to local needs.
Chamber Executive Director Stefanie Dunn remarked on the significance of having the Premier engage directly with the community.
"I'm so honoured that we could host the Premier as well as Minister Smith. I think that's such a huge sign that, even though sometimes we feel like we're a little fish in a big pond, that our voice really does matter and that they are paying attention."
Chamber President Adrienne Mekkes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of dialogue between government officials and community members.
"It was exciting to listen to the plans for the future."
The Portage District General Hospital Foundation has announced a substantial $5 million commitment to fund the installation of a much-needed MRI unit in the upcoming new hospital. This pledge has sparked discussions about government support for the initiative, raising questions among local stakeholders and health officials.
Premier Wab Kinew acknowledged the foundation's contribution and emphasized the government's openness to considering the MRI.
"The fact that the hospital foundation has this money is a really positive sign," noted Kinew.
He highlighted the importance of assessing the new hospital's construction site to identify where an MRI and other diagnostic equipment could fit.
The Premier noted that while the hospital project was initiated under the previous government without plans for an MRI, community advocacy has brought the need for such a facility to the forefront.
Local healthcare professionals expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of operating an MRI unit once the hospital opens in 14 to 16 months. Many staff members have reportedly expressed interest in undergoing training to become certified MRI technicians, a process that takes approximately eight months.
"I'd say thanks for putting your hand up and I'd like to get the names. We're going to need those folks working in the healthcare system no matter what, whether it's in this specific field of being an MRI tech or whether it's being an allied health professional more generally, we need these folks on the front lines that's one of our government's major priorities it is staffing up the healthcare system. So, part of coming here today is to hear these perspectives."
With around 24,000 Manitobans currently waiting for MRI scans, the Premier addressed the urgent need for more diagnostic resources in the province. He pointed to the previous government's cuts to healthcare, which have contributed to the current backlog.
"It's going to take us years to fix," he said while reaffirming the government's dedication to hiring more staff and enhancing the healthcare system.
During his visit, Premier Kinew stopped at La Verendrye School where he talked to staff and students about barriers they may be facing. Vice Principal Al Patterson shared his thoughts on the visit.
"It was excellent. I have always liked listening to his messages and having the opportunity for him to come into our school and share his message today with the kids was fantastic and it was an honour to have him here."
Patterson said the Premier told the students that there would be no barriers standing in the way of them wanting to achieve their goals.
Kinew noted he faced many challenges in his life but with hard work, you can achieve anything.
This was the Premier's first visit to Portage la Prairie since being elected on October 3, 2023.