The Manitoba government wants to reduce the reliance on private nurses in the public health care system.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the province is spending too much on private nursing.
“For profit companies are charging exorbitant amounts of money,” said Asagwara.
The government is no longer allowing private nursing agencies to sign new contracts with regional health authorities. Instead, the province issued a request for proposals which it said will reduce the use of private nurses. It will also put policies and standards in place, including lower wage rates.
“It’s going to require agencies that want to hold a contract in Manitoba to play by our rules,” said Asagwara.
The province said it spent $69 million on private nursing between April and September. For the same period in 2023, it said it spent $61 million. The health minister said this money could be better used for the front line …