NDP ‘Vehemently Oppose’ Solutions to Improve Healthcare Access, Protect Manitobans
WINNIPEG — Marking the final day of the 2025/26 session, the Kinew government blocked common-sense Progressive Conservative policies made to improve Manitobans’ access to primary healthcare and protect victims of crime.
Introduced two weeks ago by Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, Bill 240, The Pharmaceutical Amendment Act, would have enabled Manitoba pharmacists to prescribe medications for several minor diseases and conditions. The NDP killed the bill Thursday morning.
“Manitobans deserve a healthcare system that actually delivers care when they need it,” said Cook, who is the PC Critic for Health. “Our pharmacists are capable of far more than this province currently allows. The NDP have chosen to keep Manitoba behind the rest of Canada.”
Currently, Manitoba pharmacists can only provide 14 authorized services, the lowest among all provinces. Under Bill 240, Manitobans would have been able to visit their local pharmacy for treatment of such minor ailments as:
- minor joint or muscle pain;
- menstrual cramps and vaginal yeast infections;
- seasonal allergy symptoms and cold sores;
- sore throat, strep throat, and oral thrush;
- eczema, impetigo, hives, and shingles; and
- heartburn and nausea, among various other conditions.
For the second time, the Kinew NDP also talked out two PC policies that protect Manitoba victims of crime and prevent revictimization.
The “Right to Defend Home and Family” Private Member’s Resolution, introduced by Borderland MLA Josh Guenter, urges Ottawa to clarify the Criminal Code to clearly allow homeowners to use reasonable force to protect themselves and their families against home invaders.
Bill 210, The Criminal Trespassers Act and Amendments to The Occupiers’ Liability Act, introduced by Interlake–Gimli MLA Derek Johnson, aimed to protect property owners from unjustified lawsuits by criminals who sustain injuries while trespassing with criminal intent. Bill 210 deals with civil liability, meaning existing criminal laws governing self defence and use of force remain unchanged.
“Wab Kinew’s NDP are telling Manitobans that they do not deserve to feel safe in their own homes or to have access to timely care,” said Johnson, who is the Opposition House Leader. “Repeatedly mischaracterizing what we brought forward and ignoring the actual substance of our policies demonstrated a total lack of willingness to work together to make life better for Manitoba families.”
“Progressive Conservatives will continue to put Manitobans first by offering practical, common-sense solutions to build a brighter province for all.”
Thursday marked the conclusion of the third session of the 43rd Legislature. The fourth session is slated to begin on Nov. 17.
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