The provincial government released its 2026 budget this week, and our team was at the Legislature to analyze what it means for physicians. 

Why it matters: The provincial government’s 2026 budget includes continued investment in health care — with direct implications for physician recruitment, specialty care, and system pressures you’re navigating every day. 

• 10% increase in health spending over last year’s budget 
• Targeted investments in recruitment and specialty care, including surgery, radiology, cardiology, addictions medicine, and emergency 
• Direct advocacy impact: Our team was on-site at the Legislature, with Dr. Nichelle Desilets meeting the Premier and speaking to media 

“Doctors will be encouraged to see continued investments for health care, including to recruit more doctors to address our physician shortage,” Dr. Desilets explained to reporters. ​“This includes a focus on specialists where we see long wait times, such as surgery, radiology, cardiac, and emergency medicine. We hope to see the health system consult doctors to ensure the millions of dollars set aside for these initiatives result in real improvements to patient care.” 

The big picture: The government is signaling alignment with long-standing physician priorities — but key gaps remain. 

• 317 physicians added over the past 2.5 years 
• Ongoing shortage acknowledged, with new recruitment funding including $6.3 million for rural recruitment 
• Recognition for Doctors Manitoba’s role in retention, including reducing administrative burden as well as our New to Practice Program and Rural Retention Benefit

Consultation on EPR: With plans to implement electronic patient records in hospitals, the government is now responding to our concerns about physicians being left in the dark about this massive change. 

• The government confirmed that ​“in collaboration with Doctors Manitoba, we will hold a virtual town hall to discuss these upcoming improvements and work with the front-line workers to implement these changes in the best way for patients and the doctors who care for them.” Stay tuned for details on this. 

Safety improvements: The budget also includes $5.3 million to improve safety and security in hospitals for doctors, health care staff, patients, and visitors. 

Specialty care investments: We recommended a focus on specialty care this year, recognizing many of the most significant shortages fall in the specialist space. The budget earmarks funding for a number of enhancements to specialty services: 

• 18 cardiology beds at St. Boniface and plans to re-establish the cardiac centre of excellence, to be called ​“Heart Care Manitoba” 
• 200 additional hip and knee surgeries 
• 3,250 more MRIs
• New Acute Care of the Elderly + geriatrics unit at HSC 
• New physician + clinical assistant roles at Boundary Trails and Bethesda 
• Four new clinician researchers
• Supervised consumption site staffing in downtown Winnipeg 
• Expanded dialysis in Norway House and Cross Lake 
• New Menopause Clinic in south Winnipeg

Reducing ER strain: The government identified multiple initiatives they say will ease ER wait times: 

• Rapid assessment zones next to ERs including cardiology (St. Boniface) and mental health (HSC)
• 32 ALC beds at Siloam Mission for patients not requiring admission 
• 24/7 social workers in ERs and urgent care 
• Protective Care Centre for meth psychosis and severe intoxication 
• Four new PCHs (2 Winnipeg, 2 rural) in planning/​construction

Yes, but: The ER plan mentioned nothing about adding net new inpatient beds, or any targeted ER physician recruitment. These gaps matter — long ER waits are still largely driven by bed shortages and physician coverage gaps. 

What’s missing: The government failed to offer any details on keeping its election promise to fund 250 team-based care providers in physician practices. The government adopted our recommendation on this during the 2023 election, committing to add $25 million in new funding. 

• “We are disappointed the government’s budget included no signs of fulfilling their election promise to add 250 team-based providers in physician practices,” Dr. Desilets explained. ​“Team-based care is the highest impact, most cost-effective, and fastest way to improve access to medical care by expanding the reach of physician practices. We hope to see funding approved as soon as possible to support team-based medical care” 

Lower tax on food: The government announced plans to remove the PST from all groceries, in an effort to make food more affordable. 

• Yes, but: Most healthy foods are already PST-free. The change, costing $28 million, will remove PST from other groceries such as candy, chips, and pop, in addition to prepared meals such as salads and rotisserie chicken. 

What do you think?

Send us your views about the provincial budget to help us advocate for the resources and support you need in your practice. Contact us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.