New year, same old health-care concerns

Although a new year has begun, many Manitobans are still facing the same health-care issues they’ve faced throughout the Progressive Conservative government’s time in office. Years of cuts and privatization,which included shutting down emergency departments, cutting outpatient physiotherapy and much more, has left our health-care system in a state of crisis. Seniors, in particular, have been negatively affected by the PC government’s cuts.

I have met with seniors in Burrows and listened to their concerns and suggestions. Across the board, seniors stressed the importance of investing in public health care. Seniors are concerned that Premier Stefanson is simply continuing former Premier Brian Pallister’s bad choices and failing to prioritize patient care in our province. They feel the government has not been listening to health-care staff who have been sounding the alarm about understaffed and underfunded public health care in Manitoba. Seniors also reiterated the importance of addressing the chronic nursing and doctor shortages as well as eliminating burdensome red tape that prevents Manitoba nurses from working in the province.

Another prominent concern I heard from seniors was about the affordability crisis many Manitobans are currently facing. Everything from rent, groceries, gas and hydro bills have gone up dramatically. Seniors in particular are vulnerable to cost increases given that most of them live off of a fixed income. While Manitobans struggle to make ends meet, the government continues to demonstrate that it is not interested in making life more affordable for Manitobans that need it most. Manitobans deserve a government that will work to make life more affordable.

From closing emergency rooms, to firing nurses and cutting services that Manitobans rely on, the government’s cuts to our health care system have had negative consequences and seniors are especially bearing the brunt of it. Seniors in Burrows are tired of the PC cuts and ready for a brighter future that prioritizes affordability and strong health care. The Manitoba NDP will continue to advocate for seniors and public health care so that Manitobans can access the care they need.

If you would like to share any concerns about the PC government’s cuts to health care in Manitoba, or have any other concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone at 204-415-7621 or email at diljeet.brar@yourmanitoba.ca. Our constituency office is located on 3-350 Keewatin St.

Diljeet Brar
Burrows constituency report

Diljeet Brar is the NDP MLA for Burrows.

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