Brief
Canadian nurses urge national seniors‑care strategy after Winnipeg meeting
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions pressed for a national human‑resources plan and transparent funding after meeting federal health officials in Winnipeg.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Canada’s nurses are demanding a national strategy to guarantee seniors’ access to health‑care while easing pressure on the public system, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) said after a meeting with federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel in Winnipeg on Friday.
CFNU President Linda Silas told the Free Press that nurses and health‑care workers are "stretched too thinly" as the population ages, and called for a coordinated human‑resources plan. She cited a Canadian Institute for Health Information report showing more than three million overtime hours logged by long‑term‑care workers in a year – the equivalent of 1,500 full‑time staff.
Silas said the pandemic‑era nursing shortage persists despite recent federal and provincial actions. She urged the government to stabilize long‑term funding for home care and to track health transfers to ensure they reach patient‑direct services.
During the same meeting, Minister Michel announced a one‑year extension of a 10‑year, $1.2‑billion funding agreement for mental health, substance use, home and community care that was due to expire at the end of March. She also committed up to $6 million over three years to hire 90 internationally educated doctors for Manitoba’s rural and northern areas.
Manitoba Nurses Union President Darlene Jackson echoed the need for more nurses in the province’s remote regions, saying, "We are desperately needing nurses out in the rural and northern regions, too," and noted that the discussion included recruitment of additional nursing staff.
The CFNU’s call focuses on a national human‑resources plan, transparent allocation of home‑care funds, and sustained investment to address the staffing crisis affecting seniors’ health services across Canada.
Key facts
- CFNU President Linda Silas said nurses are stretched too thinly as Canada’s population ages. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- A CIHI report showed over three million overtime hours by long‑term‑care workers in one year, equal to 1,500 full‑time staff. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced a one‑year extension to a $1.2‑billion funding agreement for mental health, substance use, home and community care. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Michel also pledged up to $6 million over three years to hire 90 internationally educated doctors for Manitoba’s rural and northern areas. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Manitoba Nurses Union President Darlene Jackson highlighted acute nurse shortages in rural and northern Manitoba. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Nurses call for national strategy on seniors’ health care”
