The province has seen the largest increase of doctors on record this year, but still has the second-lowest number of physicians per capita in Canada. Manitoba has added 133 doctors, but still has a shortage of 346 to reach the national average.
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The traffic loop and main entrance to Brandon Regional Health Centre is reopening today (Oct 11) – the expansion project is now complete. The hospital says the staff entrance next to the E-R doors will no longer be used for pick-up and drop-off – and starting tomorrow, the Assiniboine Centre doors will also be locked.
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The province is urging you to get a flu shot and an updated COVID vaccine as the respiratory virus season gets underway. You can get a flu shot now, and the updated COVID vaccine will be available starting October 15th.
Everyone six months of age and older, and those with higher risk of severe disease should get a vaccine, along with their caregivers.
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Valleyview Co-op in Virden has partnered with the Canadian Royal Purple to collect toiletries and donations today (Oct 11) for survivors of intimate partner violence. The Co-op will also donate a dollar from sales of ‘Royal Twists’, and will match ‘funds-raised’ up to $500.
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The federal government has passed its Pharmacare bill. It’ll provide universal, single-payer access to a range of contraception and diabetes medications. Ottawa will now work with the provinces and territories to implement the program. The government says the “agreements will support reproductive freedom by providing up to nine million women and gender diverse people in Canada free access to contraception. Additionally, the 3.7 million people in Canada living with diabetes will have universal access to a suite of medications.”
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Several models of Fisher-Price infant swings have been recalled in Canada after reports of fatalities. Mattel has received five reports of deaths involving infants when the Snuga Swings were used for sleep. Around 99,000 of them have been sold in Canada.
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The province is providing $500,000 to support small and medium-sized companies in expanding their exports. The NDP government says not only will this boost trade, but will create good local jobs. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business agrees saying accessing foreign markets is necessary to help some of our local businesses thrive.
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The Canadian economy added some 47,000 jobs in September, enough to lower the unemployment rate for the first time since the start of 2024. It’s now 6.4% down from 6.6% in August. There were gains in full-time work and in the private sector – but losses in part-time roles and public employment.
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Younger Canadians are having significant problems paying for food. A recent report found many have been borrowing money or using savings to buy food due to higher grocery costs, and higher living expenses. The report says there are basically two food economies in Canada – one for the wealthy and another for the less affluent.
