Northern Promise
by Claudine Gervais
Churchill is more than the Polar Bear Capital of the World. While spotting polar bears from a Tundra Buggy or kayaking with belugas is undeniably exhilarating for tourists, Churchill is built on community, connection, and care. A dedicated team of health professionals help make it possible.
Churchill can only be reached by air or train. It’s a reality that shapes life and practice in the community. For physicians, it means working far from major tertiary centres, with fewer resources but a strong sense of purpose.
Dr. Justin Bender has worked in Churchill for over a decade, currently serving as Chief of Staff for Churchill and the northern triangle communities of Tadoule Lake, Brochet, and Lac Brochet. He says what could be described as hardships are also what make northern medicine so rewarding. “The community is incredibly welcoming, with a generous spirit,” he says. “That’s what keeps you here.”
No growth without health care
Access to health care isn’t just a health issue. It’s an economic one. Without a reliable health system, there’s no sustainable population base, no tourism economy, and no path for growth.
“You can’t have economic development without health care,” said Mayor Mike Spence. “People need to know they can raise families, build businesses, and live well here.”
Churchill’s economy is on the rise. Alongside a thriving tourism sector, the Port of Churchill is experiencing renewed growth. Now owned by 41 northern and Indigenous communities, the Port is being revitalized and its exports are diversifying beyond their historic focus on Canadian grain to include critical minerals, potash, and more.
The Port of Churchill is also being looked at by the federal government to play an expanded role in Canada’s broader logistics network, helping to diversify Canadian trades routes to the north.
“Health care, transportation, and the port are all connected. When you invest in one, you strengthen them all,” added Mayor Spence.
Healthy tourism
Churchill’s tourism industry depends not just on natural beauty but on a healthy, sustainable community.
“Travel in the north is only as sustainable as the community itself, and part of what encourages guests to visit places like Churchill is confidence in the safety of the destination,” said John Gunter, president and CEO of Frontiers North Adventures. “Visitors come because this is a place where people thrive and where there’s a population that can support tourism and welcome the world year after year. That depends on good health care.”
Northern practice
For physicians considering northern practice, Churchill offers a blend of challenge, adventure, and profound human connection.
“You get to do the full scope of medicine,” says Bender. “You’re part of every aspect of care, including emergency, chronic disease management, and preventive medicine. You see firsthand how your work shapes the health of the community.”
“People think we’re far away, but in many ways, we’re closer to our patients, to our purpose, and to what really matters.”
A Whale of a Time in Churchill
GettingHealthy.ca contest winner shares her unforgettable northern adventure
For Jordyn Bain, the trip of a lifetime meant kayaking among hundreds of beluga whales in Churchill — and, thankfully, not tipping into the chilly waters of Hudson Bay.
“The wildlife and landscape in Churchill are truly amazing,” she said. “We even spotted a polar bear swimming and wandering along the tundra. The bright purple fireweed adds this incredible splash of colour to the otherwise stark landscape.”
What surprised her most? “The food! Our dinner at the Ptarmigan was easily one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.”
Jordyn’s GettingHealthy.ca pledge was to spend more time walking outdoors, one that turned out to be tricky up north. “That was a bit challenging in Churchill due to the risk of running into a polar bear,” she said, “but it will be much easier to accomplish back in Winnipeg!”
The experience reinforced the importance of staying active. “Not just for health, but to fully enjoy amazing experiences like this one.”
Her advice to others: “If you ever get the chance, go. Churchill is one of the most unique and special places in the world.”
Jordyn’s Churchil Adventue was the grand prize for the winter GettingHealthy.ca challenge, and included generous donations from Calm Air, Frontiers North, Sea North Tours, and Doctors Manitoba.