View From the Legislature

Many medical professions such as doctors and nurses are self-regulated. That means that as a professional body they have their own governing structure that helps to set standards and practices and to ensure that their profession develops.

In many provinces, paramedics are self-regulated. It is seen as both an important recognition of the profession and a step in advancing the patient care they provide. Indeed, paramedics are called upon to do far more today than they have in the past and their training has increased to match these demands. Today, treatment starts when a paramedic arrives at a door or an accident scene, not simply when they transport a patient to the hospital.

During the last election, the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party committed to making Paramedics a self-regulated profession if we won government. As Minister of Health, I am pleased that this is another step closer to reality with the creation of the transitional council that will guide paramedics into full self-regulation. Our government looks forward to our continued work with the paramedic profession as it continues to be an important part of our healthcare system in Manitoba.