View From the Legislature

On Monday, I was pleased to announce more than 120 projects with funding totaling $30 million to help enhance and maintain our health-care facilities across the region and throughout Manitoba.

While a great deal of attention is often paid to the establishment of new facilities, the provincial healthcare system has about $6 billion in current physical assets that need to be improved upon as well. Health Authorities from around Manitoba put forward their list of priority projects to both maintain and enhance their facilities.

Joining me for Monday’s announcement was CEO of HavenGroup David Driedger and Steinbach Deputy Mayor Cari Penner. HavenGroup operates the Rest Haven Personal Care Home which is currently undergoing plans for expansion. Rest Haven will be receiving funds to upgrade its dining room facility which is in need of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as new flooring in the dining hall and main public areas. This is important work as it moves towards a larger facility.

At the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, funding has been approved for an infant abduction system to ensure the safety of newborns. In addition, the Centre will undergo a roof replacement and upgrades to its lab and phlebotomy cooling systems.

The maintenance and enhancement of existing key healthcare assets is important to ensuring our healthcare system is both sustainable and responsive to the needs of those who require care. These projects are one part of ensuring those goals are met.