Manitoba Municipalities Push for Enhanced Training for Rural Health Techs

A resolution aimed at improving education for rural lab and X-ray technicians received overwhelming support at the recent Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) convention, passing with a remarkable 97 percent approval. Sponsored by eight municipalities in the Westman region, the resolution calls for the provincial government to enhance training opportunities for these critical health care roles.

The resolution outlines several key requests, including the expansion of available training program seats and the establishment of partnerships with institutions outside Manitoba. This would allow rural students to access immediate training, which is essential given the pressing need for qualified technicians in their communities. The document also urges the province to create a rural-focused training and retention strategy, along with expediting the launch of a combined laboratory and X-ray technology program at Assiniboine College, aiming for a start date before 2027.

Sandra Clark, reeve of the Municipality of Two Borders and one of the resolution’s sponsors, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She pointed out that while the province is funding extended hours at the Melita Health Centre, a critical gap remains. “We are looking for lab and X-ray to be available to us after those late clinical hours,” Clark stated. She noted the recent closure of the Melita Health Centre’s emergency department in September 2023 due to a nurse shortage, which has left the community vulnerable.

Clark highlighted that many healthcare professionals in rural areas are often those who were raised in the community. “We know we’re not going to bring lab and X-ray students out from Winnipeg, and so the more rural initiatives we can foster, the better off rural is,” she explained. This sentiment was echoed by other local leaders, including Kelly McMachon, reeve of Deloraine-Winchester, who criticized the planned timeline for the Assiniboine College program. “The need is now, we have vacant positions now,” McMachon remarked, stressing that taxpayers are funding healthcare services that are not fully staffed.

In response to concerns about the timeline for the Assiniboine program, Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Training and Education, acknowledged the challenges but reaffirmed the planned schedule. “The reality in terms of construction timelines and everything — the timelines that we have on that build and when the program starts is what it is,” Cable stated. She mentioned ongoing discussions with local officials about expediting the program but emphasized that current timelines cannot be altered.

The province is actively seeking to improve training accessibility throughout rural and northern Manitoba. Cable noted that partnerships with institutions like Assiniboine College and Red River College Polytechnic have been vital in providing local training options. “We are actively working to ensure that people in all corners of the province know that there is a job for them in health care,” she added. The strategy also aims to identify schoolchildren interested in health careers, facilitating their transition to post-secondary education.

While there have been requests for inter-provincial partnerships, Cable reiterated the focus on retaining more Manitobans in the province. “What we want is for more Manitobans to train here. We have fantastic post-secondary institutions,” she stated. This includes initiatives like return-to-service agreements, which would encourage students to return to rural areas after their education.

According to Nick Krawetz, AMM’s deputy executive director, a formal response from the province regarding the resolution is anticipated around February 2024. Based on that feedback, the AMM will continue to gather data and insights to strengthen their advocacy efforts. “It helps with advocacy. If we gather data, we can gather local examples, local insights, and that all feeds into making a stronger case that the issue should be addressed,” Krawetz explained.

The resolution was supported by municipalities including Brenda-Waskada, Carberry, Elton, Souris-Glenwood, and Wallace-Woodworth. As rural communities strive to enhance healthcare access, the push for improved training and resources remains a critical priority for local leaders in Manitoba.