The federal government announced a $6 million funding on Wednesday to help the province bring internationally trained medical graduates to expand Manitoba’s doctor pool.
The funding will cover every municipality in Manitoba aiming to address doctor shortages felt across the province.
Lino Quach is an international student trying to navigate Manitoba’s system and she says it’s been a struggle.
“There’s not much information on how to do it on the internet as well as in the school environment, people are only talking about going to clinic or hospital, they don’t talk much about how to find a family doctor,” Quach said.
For others, the struggle also includes doctors that fit specific needs.
“I’m trying to find the right type of family doctor for us as well, so in terms of waitlists or waiting times, six months if not more,” said Diane Spiritu.
Aliya Ogunfowora and her family waited nearly three years to get a new doctor after losing theirs.
“We originally had a family doctor here in Winnipeg, but around COVID time he got a better deal in British Columbia, so he left,” Ogunfowora said.
Ogunfowora says it shouldn’t have taken so long and hopes this funding will change that.
“It’s insane, gladly we didn’t have any emergencies during that time.”
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, at a press conference announcing funding to attract doctors to Manitoba, in Winnipeg on Oct. 14, 2026 (Justin Hardy, CityNews)
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