A Free Press investigation this week unveiled that Manitoba still lacks a clear, data-driven plan for health human resources (HHR), which impacts Manitoba’s ability to recruit, retain, and train physicians and other professionals in a province that’s already struggling with major gaps. 

Shared Health is mandated to develop a provincial health human resources plan under The Health System Governance and Accountability Act. Creating and implementing the plan is part of Shared Health’s 2025 – 30 strategy. 

What’s new: Shared health confirmed it has no reports or records to show workforce modelling or a forecast of future staffing needs, though they noted the work is in progress. 

Government officials say work is underway to develop an HHR plan and a health system with 55,000+ workers across hundreds of roles cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all approach. 

• Shared Health told the Free Press it is compiling and analyzing data on current and future requirements of Manitoba’s health workforce 
• The organization works with the provincial government to analyze population data and public health needs. 

Yes, but: A lack of data can perpetuate shortages and ultimately harm patients. 

• Physician gap: Manitoba needs ~240 more doctors to match the national average – and 2,400 more to reach the average of other wealthy nations. 
• Vacancies rising: Technologist roles increased from 18.8% (2023) to 19.8% (2025).
• Nurse turnover: About 57 nurses left for every 100 hired (2024 – 25). 

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the government still expects an overarching HHR plan for Shared Health that includes training, recruitment and retention strategies. 

We’re monitoring our own trends for you: We closely monitor the physician workforce in Manitoba, including the magnitude of the current doctor shortage and projections of how that is expected to change based on retirement and relocation plans. 

• We monitor this by region and by specialty, and benchmark our physician resources to national and international levels. 
• We share this information with provincial leaders to assist them with workforce planning. 

If you have ideas or concerns about recruitment and retention, let us know by emailing practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.