Steinbach MLA and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen, announced that stakeholder consultations will soon be underway as the next step in the self-regulation of the paramedic profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act in Manitoba.
“While the many stakeholders involved in developing and implementing self-regulation for paramedics are committed to seeing this process move forward, there are varied opinions and perspectives as to how this can best be achieved,” said Goertzen. “During the election, we committed to move forward with self-regulation. Reg Toews will take the lead to consult with stakeholders, hear the different viewpoints and work with everyone to develop plans for self-regulation.”
Toews will be meeting with stakeholders and, if consensus cannot be reached, developing up to three options for implementing paramedic self-regulation in Manitoba.
Toews has previously served as an assistant deputy minister in the health department and as a chief executive officer of a regional health authority. In 2012, he led the provincial emergency medical services review and the initial work to implement the review’s recommendations.
“Ensuring the provision of emergency medical services is well regulated is essential to a strong and effective health-care system,” said Toews. “I look forward to bringing everyone together to work out the next steps in this process and achieve paramedic self-regulation in Manitoba.”
The minister noted Toews’ extensive experience in the emergency medical services sector gives him the knowledge and expertise on the subject matter to work with a range of stakeholders to move the issue of paramedic self-regulation forward.
“Paramedics celebrate joining in the transition to regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act, and today’s announcement ensures the public protection of each and every Manitoban when they call 911 for paramedic services,” said Jodi Possia, chair, Paramedic Association of Manitoba. “Manitobans can be assured the paramedic at their door is educated, competent and adhering to the profession’s code of ethics. This is in the interest of every Manitoban.”
The Health Professions Advisory Council, the advisory body on self-regulation matters, has advised that an effective consultation process will be a key to consolidating opinions.
“We’re pleased to be involved in this process, which will support Manitoba’s highly trained paramedics as they continue to offer top-quality health care to people across the province,” said Alex Forrest, president, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg.
The Regulated Health Professions Act will change the way health professions in Manitoba are regulated by bringing all regulated health professions under one umbrella piece of legislation, the minister said.
Paramedics are currently self-regulated or in the process of becoming self-regulated in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Consultations are expected to be complete in the early spring of 2017, the minister added.
