Provincial Budget Outlook 

This week the provincial government released their audited year-end financials for 2025/26, and we have done the deep dive to see what it means for health care and physician funding. 

Why it matters: The government highlighted shrinking the deficit. Premier Wab Kinew reiterated a fiscal commitment: ​“We are keeping our promise to balance the budget over our term in government.” 

• Funding for physicians was cited as a pressure on the budget. 

• Doctors Manitoba is closely monitoring government spending on health as we head into physician services negotiations next year. 

Health spending highlights:

• Manitoba spent $9.66 billion on health care in 2025 – 26, up 6.8% from the previous year. 

• Health spending represents about 37% of total provincial expenses for the year, up 1.5% over the year prior. 

• The government spent $47 million to support 97 new beds including 60 for acute care, 10 for critical care, and 27 for transitional care. 

Read the full Annual Report and Public Accounts document.

Drug Formulary Amendments 

The Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary is a list of drugs and other items specified as eligible benefits under the Manitoba Pharmacare drug benefit program. The Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary is a list of interchangeable drugs, categories and prices specific to drugs listed on the Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary. 

The amendments in Bulletin #151 take effect October 1.

New HIV and STBBI Research Opportunities 

Two new opportunities are available for physicians interested in strengthening HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) research and clinical trial capacity across the Prairies: 

• Training awards: Build skills and experience in HIV and STBBI clinical trials. Apply today!

• Research capacity survey: Share your perspectives on current research and training needs to help identify gaps and shape future opportunities. Take the survey!

These opportunities come through SPIKE Hub (Strengthened Prairies Integrated Knowledge Exchange Hub), in collaboration with partners across the nation. 

Submit your responses by October 16.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS 

Winnipeg Jets Special Offer for Physicians 

To thank Manitoba physicians and health care workers for your dedication and care to your community, the Winnipeg Jets are offering discounts to three great matchups during the November 5 – 7 weekend.

Grab your discounted tickets today!

Sing with the Hippocratic High Notes Choir 

Hippocratic High Notes is a no-audition community choir for women physicians, including those in practice, retired, residents, and medical students. The focus? Low stress, high fun, with rehearsals on Tuesdays at 7pm. 

🎵 Want in? Registration for the 2026 – 27 season is now open. Learn more and contact hippocratichighnoteswpg@​gmail.​com for details and registration. 

Correction: In a previous issue of Vitals, we incorrectly stated rehearsals take place on Mondays. It is, in fact, Tuesdays. 

Talking to Patients About Prenatal Alcohol and Cannabis Exposure 

The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba has launched new resources to help physicians discuss alcohol and cannabis use during pregnancy with patients.

How you can help: The Know My Limits campaign offers practical tips and reminders for creating a safe space for patients to talk about the risks. 

• Not everyone knows the risks. Many people aren’t aware of the risks and potential harms of alcohol or cannabis use during pregnancy. 

• You can start the substance use conversation. Your patients may not want to bring up alcohol or cannabis use for a variety of reasons. 

• Provide one clear takeaway. They should know that, during pregnancy, no amount of alcohol or cannabis in any form is safe. 

💡 More resources for patients: Developed in consultation with Public Health, you can also refer patients to Know My Limits to access resources that may help inform conversations with patients and provide answers to their questions.