Health System Updates — October 16, 2026
Reminder: Claims Held by Manitoba Health
We’ve noticed a sharp increase in the number of physicians reporting large volumes of claims being held by Manitoba Health for extended periods. For most physicians, only a very limited number of isolated claims were held for review and often simply to obtain more information to substantiate the claim.
⚠️ Why it matters: Doctors Manitoba is concerned about this trend or more claims being held for review. Plus, there is no clear process to resolve these while they remain held, effectively in limbo.
- We’ve raised this with Manitoba Health officials and have further escalated this for greater clarity and fairness.
- If your claims are held: Don’t ignore a request for information. Review the applicable tariff and your documentation, respond by the deadline and contact us if the hold seems unusual or involves a large volume of claims.
Read our new Claims Held for Review resource
e‑Scooter Restrictions Set for 2027
To help keep Manitobans safe when sharing roads, paths, and other public spaces, the province is rolling out new limits on e‑scooters and other Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) for 2027.
What’s new: Manitoba’s new rules will fall under the Highway Traffic Act.
- All riders and passengers must be at least 16 years old.
- Properly fitting helmets must be worn at all times.
- PEVs are not allowed on sidewalks, unless signs specifically permit PEV use.
- Vehicles must follow a maximum 25 km/h speed limit.
In the news: Doctors Manitoba spoke to the Free Press, saying while we had not had the chance to consult physicians on the change just yet, “there is clearly a need for regulations to help avoid injuries related to e‑scooter use, as we already have in place for other vehicles.”
What do you think about e‑scooters? Send us your thoughts at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca
Reminder for your patients: Our public health initiative, GettingHealthy.ca, offers guides and resource for patients. Share this article on injury prevention.
Read the new provincial guidelines.
Alberta Physicians Vote to Ratify New Deal
Alberta Medical Association members have ratified a three-year agreement effective April 1, 2026 with the provincial government, something we are monitoring very closely as we prepare to negotiate.
What we know:
- The first year offers a 3% increase in year one, 2.5% in year two, and the third year’s increase will be determined through mediation or arbitration.
- Macro-allocation increases vary between specialty blocs.
- The agreement also included improvements to CPD, Mat/Par and Rural Retention benefits.
Further details are expected to be released once the Agreement and micro-allocations are finalized.
What we’re watching: Doctors Manitoba pays close attention to ongoing negotiations in other provinces so we can come to the table with our own government to maximize the opportunity for the best deal possible for physicians in Manitoba.
🗞️Read the full coverage from CBC.
If you hear anything of note about the new agreement from your Alberta colleagues, let us know by emailing practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.
Connection & Peer Support: Women Physicians Navigating Cancer
What’s happening: Doctors Manitoba is hosting a confidential evening of connection and peer support for practicing female physicians navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Why it matters: Whether your diagnosis is recent or part of a longer journey, this physician-facilitated gathering offers a supportive space to connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of balancing cancer care, life, and medical practice.
📅 November 3 at 7 p.m. In person and virtual option.
Fall Book Club: The Road Between Us
The Winnipeg Free Press describes The Road Between Us as a “beautifully written, poetic, episodic page-turner that keeps you guessing to the very end.”
The novel is the selection for the Doctors Manitoba Fall Book Club. The author, pediatrician Dr. Bindu Suresh will join us for the meeting via Zoom.
📚November 19 at 6 p.m. (Virtual)
Register here.
Build Your Leadership and Communication Skills
Whether you’re leading patients or leading care teams in an official capacity, all physicians lead by example. Doctors Manitoba is pleased to offer a new suite of Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) courses in conjunction with the CMA.
- Registration closing soon: Crucial Conversations for Accountability, October 23, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. Virtual.
- Leading High-Performance Culture, November 20 and 21, 8 – 4 each day. In Person.
- Effective Leadership in a Complex System, January 21 and 22, 8 – 4 each day. Virtual.