An overpass will be built near the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada, near Carberry, the Manitoba government confirmed on Thursday during the speech from the throne.
17 seniors from Dauphin and the area were killed on June 15, 2023. The government will begin the design phase for the overpass next year. The government has also phased out outdated paper health cards with durable plastic ones.
The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba is the Honourable Anita R. Neville.
"We are proud to announce the next step, digital health cards, available in January," said Neville. "Now you can access healthcare however you choose. Paper, plastic, and pixels. In the next year, we will launch a new patient portal giving Manitobans secure and convenient access to their lab results and immunizations."
The throne speech confirmed Manitoba will soon introduce legislation to eliminate mandatory sick notes for short-term absences from work. Employers will only be able to request a sick note after seven straight calendar days of absence.
"That is an additional burden on working families and unnecessary paperwork for doctors," added Neville.
The government will expand the scope of practice for pharmacists. This means you can skip the doctor's office and pick up prescriptions for birth control, UTIs, and common ailments at your local pharmacy.
"We will bring doctors and pharmacists together as we move forward with this change to ensure the best quality of care for patients," she continued.
As a part of the government's promise to deliver better health for women, they will add more lactation consultations to help moms and babies in those critical early days. They will also hire midwives in the Interlake region for the first time.
Since 2023, 285 doctors have been added. Six of which are from the United States, and more are in the recruitment process. Last year marked the largest increase in doctors in the province's history.
"Despite economic headwinds, wildfire, drought, and tariffs, we have made progress to lower your bills, create more good jobs, and a more affordable economy," continued Neville.
Neville also spoke on Trump-proofing our economy.
"We will build new, dual-fuel combustion turbines in Westman," said Neville. "Bringing 750 megawatts of power online to help heat our homes on the coldest days of the year."
The government plans to break ground on a correctional facility, a centre for justice in Dauphin, next fall.
"Making our province safer. Helping people who are ready to turn their lives around," said Neville. "And to return good jobs to the Parkland, cut by the previous government."
After the worst wildfire season in decades, the government is committed to strengthening its wildfire response.
"We will conduct the most comprehensive after-action wildfire review our province has ever undertaken," said Neville. "Working with First Nations, Indigenous governments, municipalities, and the external organizations that contributed to our One Manitoba response."
Construction on a new ER in Eriksdale will begin this winter. Neville says the government will train and hire new paramedics faster than ever.
With the province's updated English language arts curriculum and rollout of the universal early reading screening program, kids have the support and tools needed to learn to read.
"With more than 800 new teachers in our classrooms, 4,200 childcare spots, and our universal school food program, we are helping more kids learn and graduate," continued Neville.
First Nations have reassumed jurisdiction over child welfare.
"We reaffirm our shared committment to work with authorities, agencies, and First Nations to keep children safe," added Neville. "Last year, we lost fewer children in our province compared to the previous year. There is still work to be done. We are listening to young people, their parents, grandparents, and their educators in Manitoba."
Neville ended by saying Manitoba will continue to grow and be the best place in the world to live and call home.
"Today, we have lowered your housing, heating, and gas bills. We are building roads, schools, and hospitals with good Manitoba jobs," ended Neville. "We are redefining Manitoba's place in the world as a trading hub, a leader in Human Rights, and of course, for good."
When Manitobans work together, incredible things can happen.
