A busy week in politics has passed, and we have a summary of what it might mean for physicians and health care. 

A unique and often unpredictable federal election campaign came to a conclusion this week. The Liberals formed a minority government, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre lost the seat he had held since 2004, and Jagmeet Singh stepped down as NDP leader. With U.S. President Donald Trump and cost of living as major focuses of concern, Canadians came out in droves to the polls. Despite the uncertainty, this election showed that one thing remained certain throughout: health care was, and remains, a top concern at all levels of government. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney promised during the campaign that a government under his leadership would add thousands of new doctors, build more hospitals and clinics, modernize Canada’s public health care system, improve mental health, invest in women’s health, and protect reproductive rights. 

We join with the Canadian Medical Association in their congratulations to Mr. Carney and look forward to continuing our work both on these issues, and the ones that matter most to you, here at home in Manitoba. This includes pushing to ensure federal forms, like the Disability Tax Credit, are simplified and take less of physicians’ time. 

We also extend our congratulations to member Dr. Doug Eyolfson, who will head back to Ottawa as a Member of Parliament representing Winnipeg West. 

At the provincial level, congratulations to MLA Obby Khan, who is the new leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. We have enjoyed collaborating with Mr. Khan and his team in the past on health care issues and look forward to continuing this important work together.

→ The CMA will host a town hall on Monday, May 12^th at 5:30 PM CT. You can register for the virtual gathering here.