Just over four years ago, at the height of the pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and I had a virtual meeting with a group of nurses at Victoria General Hospital. At the time, uncertainty loomed large, and our health-care workers stood as beacons of hope and resilience, confronting unprecedented challenges with courage and compassion. At this heartfelt meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of all Canadians and committed to visiting Winnipeg to say thank you personally.
Just last week, he delivered on that promise by attending an appreciation lunch I hosted at Victoria Hospital.
As we continue to build back from the pandemic, the ongoing dedication to our public health-care system has not wavered. The nurses, doctors, and all health-care staff at Victoria Hospital, and indeed across Canada, have continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment. Despite numerous hurdles imposed on them through the reckless restructuring of the healthcare system by the previous provincial Progressive Conservative government, they have ensured the well-being of our communities.
Since our federal Liberal government took office in 2015, we have increased federal health transfers to Manitoba to strengthen the health-care system. This past year, we announced an allocation of over $633 million, aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues that have long plagued our health-care system.
Among these critical issues are the long wait times which have caused frustration and distress for patients and their families, and the urgent need to improve care for our seniors, who deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care and respect.
This funding will undoubtedly help the provincial government reopen the Victoria Hospital ER, a vital facility that was regrettably closed under the damaging restructuring of our public system.
The closure of the ER had a profound impact on our community, straining other local health-care services and leaving a gap in emergency care. By reopening this essential service, we will be taking a significant step towards restoring timely and accessible emergency care for all South Winnipeg residents.
We recognize the critical importance of ensuring that all healthcare workers are adequately supported and equipped to perform their indispensable roles. This investment is not just in facilities and infrastructure, but also in the people who are the backbone of our health-care system. We owe it to them to provide the resources and support they need to continue their vital work.
As emphasized at the appreciation lunch for the front-line staff at the Victoria Hospital, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the healthcare workers in Manitoba and across Canada. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to caring for others is truly inspiring.
We will continue to stand by you, investing in our public healthcare system to ensure it remains robust, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of all Canadians. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.
