MEDIA SCAN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Contact: 204-424-2329 May 7, 2019

New Director Of Health In Place Tuesday, 07 May 2019

A new Director of Health Services has been chosen by Southern Health- Sante Sud for the RMs of Portage la Prairie and Cartier. Shauna Sanderson stepped into the role less than two weeks ago, and acknowledges she still has much to learn. She tells us a little more about the job. "My role includes taking care of Douglas Campbell Lodge and Lion's Prairie Manor," she says, "As well as the Rotary Park Housing and Regency House. I'm not responsible for the operations at the Portage District Hospital, because they have their own director there." Sanderson spent several years with Prairie Mountain Health, as regional manager for therapy services, and feels that experience has prepared her for the new role. "And working in that role has given me the opportunity to learn about residents and communities, challenges that they face, and have had the ability to work to build healthy communities," she says, "So with that experience, and looking at this area, really makes me excited to be here." Sanderson feels the region has a great team at Southern Health, and area residents are fortunate they're working for them.

Mental Health is Not Mental Illness Tuesday, 07 May 2019

It's Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Mental Health Week. It began yesterday, and CMHA Central executive director Sean Miller explains the significance. "The reason it's important to have a week dedicated to mental health is that we know that there is public understanding of mental illness," notes Miller. "But mental illness and mental health are two different terms that are used interchangeably. The reality is that they're very different things. Mental illness impacts one out of five people. Mental health is five out of five. We all have mental health. The condition of our mental health actually impacts the quality of life that we experience." Miller explains their efforts to explain the differences. "We do have a number of program services," continues Miller. "We've got a course that talks about what good, positive mental health really means. It's about that self-esteem; about maintaining

1 autonomy in life; having a life that we choose to live, and what's all involved in being able to do that. That includes skill development, helping us develop healthy relationships with people, and having a positive outlook on life. It's not just all optimism. There are some real-world skills that can be developed and then used to experience that quality of life that we all want." He says the common person's role in this awareness depends on any given person's level of mental health. "To one person, it may mean taking different steps than it means for another person," continues Miller. "There are some people that may already engage in a number of activities that are meant to promote mental health. For example, physical health has a direct impact on mental health. So, there may be somebody that goes to the gym, or exercises and goes for a walk every single day of the week. For them, their role is to maintain that sort of thing. It really is about habits that we build into our lives. So, the role is really dependent on habits that we already do on a daily basis. If you're lacking in one area, you may want to be pick up a healthy habit. Maybe it's healthy eating. You may want to substitute one healthy choice for another healthy choice." Because it's mental health week, Miller says, they try to highlight the programs and services they regularly offer. He notes they're holding fundraisers to support their programs and services, including a 50s Happy Days Car Hop, a service food service that's happening at the Herman Prior Centre Tuesday evening.

Southern Health Staring At Surplus Monday, 06 May 2019

Southern Health is poised to end the current fiscal year in the black. In fact, their Vice President of Finance and Planning says they are staring at a potential surplus of $7 million. Ken Klassen says there are a couple of reasons for their positive financial situation. "Our funding from Manitoba Health was a little bit higher than anticipated," admits Klassen. "So that was a pleasant surprise." (Ken Klassen, Vice President of Finance and Planning with Southern Health.)Klassen says because the additional revenue came late in the fiscal year, the regional health authority was not able to redirect those funds, which means it became part of their surplus. He notes the other factor is there have been a number of cost saving initiatives undertaken by health authorities this year. But, because Southern Health was already in a balanced position, the cost savings added to the surplus. Putting it into perspective, Klassen says it costs Southern Health about $1 million per day to run the RHA. Therefore, a $7 million surplus allows them to operate for one week. Klassen says historically, regional health authorities have been required to return to Manitoba Health any surplus above two per cent. For Southern Health, two per cent works out to about $7 million. "If it is higher than that though, I've confirmed that Manitoba Health is not going to take that back," he says.

He suggests any surplus dollars will go into their accumulative surplus which can be used for future health projects or expenditures approved by their senior leadership team and the board. Klassen says he expects their audited financial results should be available by June. Meanwhile, Southern Health is awaiting its funding letter from the province before finalizing its 2019/20 budget. Klassen says they have been told to plan for status quo funding. He notes majority of their expenditures are salaries. Klassen says most of their collective agreements have been frozen for the last few years while provincial bargaining unit restructuring is happening. He says if there are no salary increases, they can manage.

400 members and counting at Herman Prior May 6, 2019

Lynn Pashe is the Herman Prior's 400th member. Supplied It’s been some time since the official membership roll reached 400 at the Herman Prior Activity Centre (HPAC), but when Lynn Pashe signed up, the Portage la Prairie-based organization could once again claim that lofty membership plateau. Like all groups — non-profit or otherwise — membership numbers are a benchmark, a goal and a rung on a ladder to reach for. While there are 400 carded members, thousands use the facility each month who may not know of the advantages a membership may give them. One advantage is to reduce the cost of programs they participate in. “We were aiming to get our membership up to 400,” says Herman Prior Activity Centre executive director, Chris Dumont. “So congratulations to Lynn Pashe by virtue of being the 400th member, she gets her membership free this time.” The executive director explains while HPAC membership helps the Herman Prior Activity Centre with money to fund the programs and services we offer. It offers members lower fees for the programs and the day trips that we take.” Presently planned trips are to the Daniel O’Donnell show, Rainbow Stage and Goldeyes Games (events that require pre-registration). There are also shows at the Centre, like the recent “This is Me” production and an upcoming dinner and show that is a Don Williams Tribute on June 15. Story continues below A low-cost membership will return value in program savings. Membership remains at a mere $25 a year. As a member, you also have a voice in how the facility is run. “Our annual general meeting is coming up on May 29 at 10 a.m.,” said Dumont. “All members are welcome to attend and if you are wanting to be a member of the board, and you are 55-years-old or better as per our by-laws, this is an opportunity for you.” Please phone or email Chris at 204-857-6951 or email [email protected] if you are interested.

OPINION: Making strides to create a culture of organ donation May 2, 2019

In April, Manitoba marked National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week to highlight the need for more donors and raise awareness about Manitobans anxiously waiting for a donor match. In our province, Transplant Manitoba leads this campaign. This organization has made great strides toward building a culture of organ donation within our health-care system. They also ensure that resources are in place to provide care and support to the families who find themselves faced with difficult end-of-life decisions about organ donation. 2018 was a record year with more than 11,000 Manitobans registering their intent to become organ and tissue donors, inspired in part by Logan Boulet, the Humboldt Bronco player who had signed up as an organ donor just weeks before the horrific bus crash that claimed his life. Logan’s selfless decision ended up saving the lives of six people waiting on organ donation lists. While Manitobans are known for their generosity, still many Manitobans either do not fill out their donor card or neglect to make their wishes known to their families when it comes to organ and tissue donation. The Government of Manitoba formed a non-partisan task force last year to invite feedback from the public on how to increase organ donation registrations. The all-party task force, chaired by Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer, examined ways to improve donation rates in Manitoba and delivered a report to the Legislature which included an important recommendation that our government announced last week. The Manitoba Government has taken the step of moving the provincial Organ and Tissue Donation Registry online and eliminating paper donor cards. From now on, Manitobans can simply go to SignUpForLife.ca and their decision to donate is recorded in the Manitoba Health database. In the past, paper donor cards proved to be an ineffective means of relaying a person’s final wishes, as decisions were often not shared with family members and donor cards often weren’t readily available to medical staff in the moment of need. By phasing out paper donor cards, we are ensuring that the decisions of Manitobans are available, accessible and centrally stored. Online registration is simple. You need to be at least 18 years of age and have a 9-digit Manitoba Health Card number. While we are making this change, we are asking Manitobans to have the discussion with their loved ones and talk openly about organ and tissue donation. While it can be a difficult conversation to have, it is vitally important and can save lives. I am pleased to report that in the 24-hour period following the government’s announcement, 1,206 Manitobans registered at SignUpForLife.ca – the second highest number of people ever registered on a single day. I thank Transplant Manitoba, the Gift of Life team, and the more than 38,000 Manitobans who have already signed up. Your decision may one day save a life.

In Response to PCH in Carman-Letter to the Editor May 7, 2019

Dear Editor: The building of a new Personal Care Home (PCH) to serve our communities will soon be getting underway. While the journey has been long and filled with various challenges, the day the shovels go in the ground will be one our community can celebrate. It will be the commencement of the largest public capital project in the history of our area and the benefits that will accrue from this undertaking will last for generations. The Boyne River Diversion forever changed the future of the Town of Carman and I believe the PCH project will have the same type of lasting benefits. A significant difference for the PCH project is that the benefits will extend well beyond the borders of Carman. A little history is important to note. Over 50 years ago a group of concerned citizens spearheaded the construction of the Boyne Lodge. It was not designed as a long-term care facility but over the years that is what it has become. The staff and residents continue to work and live with the challenges of a facility that was not designed for its present use. In 1982 the new Carman Memorial Hospital was constructed and from that day forward it was assumed that when a new PCH was built to serve the area, it would be located in close proximity to the new hospital. It was with this set of facts and history that, after the municipal election in 2006, the Councils of the Town of Carman and the RM of Dufferin undertook to chase the dream of building a new long-term care facility. How hard could it be? It turned out to be pretty much impossible. The Provincial Government made it clear that replacing the Boyne Lodge in Carman was not on any capital construction list and would not be for a very long time, if ever. The Regional Health Authority (RHA), while supportive of the concept, agreed the replacement was a very low priority. The municipal election of 2010 came and went, and we were no further ahead on our quest of a new PCH. That all changed when, on July 2, 2011, there was an article in the Winnipeg Free Press announcing a new PCH in the Town of Niverville and it was being constructed using a different construction funding model. This was the opening we had been looking for. Using the Mayor of the Town of Carman’s many contacts, we were able to arrange a meeting with one of the main participants in the Niverville project, Mr. Gordon Daman. In the fall of 2012, at the annual meeting of the Boyne Valley Hostel Corporation, there was a public presentation on the potential for a new PCH using the different construction funding model. This public meeting was attended by over 100 people including some of the key leadership people from the RHA. It was at this meeting, with the unanimous support of all who attended, that the community leaders were directed to establish a committee and chase the dream of a new PCH. Story continues below In very short order 5 local citizens along with the Mayor of Carman and the Reeve of Dufferin formed a committee to begin the process to explore all options for a new PCH. This group employed Mr. Daman as its consultant and was also ably assisted by the Town and RM’s Economic Development Officer, Tyler King. There were a number of important decisions which occurred through this process. One of the most important was the realization that the only way a new PCH could be built was to incorporate its construction into the existing assets, namely the Boyne Lodge and the Boyne Towers. This completely changed what had been assumed since the new Carman hospital was built in 1982; the building of a new PCH near the hospital was no longer an option. The other significant decisions were the creation of a not for profit multi-municipal ownership group, Boyne Care Holdings (2016) (BCH), comprised of the five municipal entities which make up the RHA Boyne Lodge catchment

5 area; the Town of Carman, and the Rural Municipalities of Dufferin, Grey, Thompson and Roland. A business plan had to be developed and because of the new funding model significantly higher local capital contributions were necessary than what was required in previous government PCH builds. These contributions at this time are approaching $7.5 million. Over the years there were multiple public meetings held in each community involved and with few exceptions, the public feedback was always very positive. Today as we move to the construction phase, BCH, the not for profit multi- municipal ownership group, is fully in charge of the build with the professional assistance of Southern Health-Santé Sud. By utilizing the existing assets, originally built by our community, we are able to now create a full aging-in-place campus. The PCH is only Phase one of a four-phase development. When all the phases are completed the campus is projected to include assisted living, supportive housing, and independent seniors housing (Life Lease). When these assets are all in place they will be owned and controlled by BCH and any long- term financial surpluses will be used to the benefit of senior care in the member communities. Beyond this plan is the potential to extend additional seniors housing, specifically smaller assisted living facilities, into neighbouring communities like Roland, Miami, Elm Creek and St. Claude. All of this will be done under the guidance and ownership of BCH with the direct involvement of these communities. Unfortunately, extensive negotiations to purchase the land required for the PCH and future senior care development phases were unsuccessful. Neither the amount of land needed, nor the purchase price could be agreed upon and the Town of Carman had to make the very difficult decision to either let the project die or move to expropriation. This was a disappointing outcome for everyone involved. It is unfortunate that arguably the two most important public capital projects in Carman in the last thirty years, the Boyne River Diversion and now the new PCH project, both required the use of expropriation. For those of us involved from the beginning, when construction starts it will be the fulfillment of a dream. But none of this would have been possible without the hundreds of hours of volunteer time, the generous donations of many, the vision and courageous decisions by the municipal partners, and the support of Southern Health-Santé Sud and the Provincial Government, especially the Minister of Health, Cameron Friesen, and our local MLA, Blaine Pedersen. The project will need the continuing support of the community, the RHA and governments as we proceed through the next 30 months of construction. When the new 110 bed PCH is completed and in operation, it will usher in a new era of long-term care in our communities for generations to come. Shawn McCutcheon

Health Canada | Santé Canada

Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons (PCB) and Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents (PES) for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and the Potential Risk of Long-Term All-Cause Mortality May 6, 2019

Posting date: May 6, 2019 Type of communication: Dear Healthcare Professional Letter Subcategory: Medical Device Source of recall: Health Canada Issue:

Important Safety Information Audience: Healthcare Professionals Identification number: RA-69848

Last updated: 2019-05-06  Issue  Who is affected  Report health or safety concerns Audiences Healthcare professionals in hospitals, including hospital chiefs of medical staff, department of vascular surgery, interventional radiologists, and other relevant departments Key messages  A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has identified a possible increased risk of death after the use of paclitaxel coated balloons (PCB) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Footnote 1 The reason for this possible increased risk of death is not yet known.  Health Canada is currently evaluating recently-published information on this risk. As a precautionary measure, healthcare professionals are advised to: o Continue surveillance of patients who have been treated with paclitaxel-containing devices for treatment of PAD according to current standards of care. o Weigh the risks and benefits for each patient when considering the use of PCB and PES in patients with PAD. o Consider alternative treatment options rather than PCB and PES until additional analysis of the safety concern has been done. o Consider limiting the use of PCB and PES to patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). o Inform patients of the possible additional risks associated with the use of paclitaxel- containing devices.  Health Canada has also requested that manufacturers update the labelling of paclitaxel- containing devices to include details about this potential risk.

Issue A potential increased risk of long-term, all-cause mortality (at 2 years to 5 years) after the use of PCB and PES for the treatment of PAD was identified in a meta-analysis, which was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) in December 2018.Footnote 1 The reason for the potential increased risk of death is not yet known. Health Canada is currently evaluating this safety concern to determine if there is an increased long-term mortality risk associated with paclitaxel‐containing devices used for PAD treatment. Background information PCB and PES are intended to treat de novo or restenotic lesions in the leg, including the superficial femoral and femoropopliteal arteries to mechanically open obstructed vessels. The release of paclitaxel from these devices is intended to reduce restenosis in the artery that can reduce blood flow. Paclitaxel- containing devices have also been licensed for the treatment of coronary artery disease, stenotic lesions in dysfunctional arteriovenous dialysis fistulae, and other diseases. A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) in December 2018 identified an increase in all-cause mortality at two years in PAD patients treated with PCB and PES compared to patients treated with non-coated balloons or bare metal

7 stents.Footnote 1 This increase persisted for five years. The reason for the potential increased risk of death is not yet known. This issue was discussed at the March 1, 2019, meeting of Health Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Medical Devices Used in the Cardiovascular System (SAC-MDUCS), which is made up of medical experts.Footnote 2 The committee felt the benefits of the use of devices containing paclitaxel continue to outweigh the potential increased risk for patients with CLI. However, the potential impact of this issue remains unclear in patients treated for claudication. Health Canada is currently evaluating the recently published meta-analysis and other information to assess the risk/benefit profile of paclitaxel-containing devices indicated for PAD treatment. As an interim measure, while Health Canada and other global stakeholders continue to assess data, the department has requested additional information from manufacturers for PCB and PES licensed in Canada. Health Canada has also requested that manufacturers update the labelling of paclitaxel-containing devices to include details about this potential risk. Who is affected Information for consumers Paclitaxel-coated balloons are devices inserted into narrowed or blocked blood vessels to restore blood flow. After the balloon is removed, a drug called paclitaxel remains on the blood vessel to prevent scar tissue formation and recurrence of the vessel blockage. Paclitaxel-eluting stents are devices placed to hold a blood vessel open and slowly release the drug to prevent scar tissue and blockage. The drug from paclitaxel-coated balloons and in paclitaxel-eluting stents is released over days to months. A recently-published study showed a higher risk of death in the long term in patients treated with paclitaxel-containing devices in blood vessels in the leg compared to patients treated with balloons and stents that do not contain the drug. The reason for the potential increased risk of death is not known at this time. Patients who have been treated with paclitaxel-containing devices should continue to consult their health care provider for regular follow-up. Patients who are potentially going to be treated with these devices should discuss all known risks with their health care provider. Information for healthcare professionals Until additional information is available, healthcare professionals are advised to:  Continue surveillance of patients who have been treated for PAD with PCB and PES according to current standards of care.  Determine whether the benefits of using these devices outweigh the risks for each patient.  Consider limiting the use of PCB and PES indicated for the treatment of PAD to CLI patients.  Make the patient aware of the potential additional risks associated with these products. Action taken by Health Canada Health Canada discussed this potential safety issue at the recent SAC-MDUCS meeting.2 Additional information was requested from the Canadian PCB and PES manufacturers in order to further assess the potential risk. Health Canada continues to actively engage with the manufacturers, clinicians, and other international regulatory agencies to better understand the safety issue. This important safety information is being communicated to Canadians via the Recalls and Safety Alerts Database on the Healthy Canadians website. This communication will be further distributed through the MedEffect™ e- Notice email notification system as well as social media channels including LinkedIn and Twitter. Health Canada will also continue to monitor safety information involving PCB and PES, as it does for all health products on the Canadian market, to better understand this potential risk and identify and assess other potential harms. Appropriate and timely action will be taken if and when any new health risks are identified. Report health or safety concerns

Health Canada’s ability to monitor the safety of marketed health products depends on healthcare providers and consumers reporting adverse reactions and medical device incidents. Any cases of death or serious or unexpected side effects in patients receiving PCB and PES should be reported to the device manufacturer or Health Canada. Any suspected adverse incident can be reported to: Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch HEALTH CANADA Address Locator: 2003D Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9 Telephone: Regulatory Operations and Regions Branch Hotline: 1-800-267-9675 The Health Product Complaint Form (FRM-0317) can be found on the Health Canada Web site. For other health product inquiries related to this communication, contact Health Canada at: Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD) E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 613-954-6522 Fax: 613-952-7738 References Footnote 1 Katsanos, K., Spiliopoulos, et al. Risk of Death Following Application of Paclitaxel‐Coated Balloons and Stents in the Femoropopliteal Artery of the Leg: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of the American Heart Association, 2018;7(24). Return to footnote 1 referrer Footnote 2 Health Canada. Medical Devices Used in the Cardiovascular System - Canada.ca. Published 2019. Accessed April 17, 2019. Return to first footnote 2 referrer

Hospitalizations for youth mental health concerns steady in Manitoba, says new data May 7, 2019

The number of Manitoban youth and children visiting ERs for mental health concerns is holding relatively steady. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) has released data indicating hospitalizations and emergency department visits for Canadian youth with mental health concerns are up dramatically over the past decade. But in Manitoba, the number of children and young people between age five and 24 being hospitalized for mental disorders is holding steady in recent years. Between 2006-2007 and 2017-2018, there was a 75 per cent increase in visits to the emergency room for youth mental health concerns across the country. 9

There was also a 65 per cent increase in hospitalization of young people to treat their mental health nationwide. READ MORE: Mental health education programs ramping up in Manitoba Meanwhile, the number of Canadian youth going to the ER for other medical problems dropped by nearly a quarter. For Manitoba children and young adults, the rate of hospitalization has remained virtually the same for the last three years.

Over the past dozen years, that is an increase of about 23 per cent in the hospitalization rate — much lower than the national average of 65 per cent over the same time period. In comparison, the number of youth hospitalized in Saskatchewan essentially doubled over a dozen years, with 1,058 young people hospitalized for mental health in 2006-2007, reaching 2,088 in 2017-2018. READ MORE: Canadian farmers open up about mental health: ‘They’re not the only ones’ The majority — 776 — of the 1,246 Manitoban youth who stayed in hospital for treatment last year were between age 18 and 24. Female patients were disproportionately represented, accounting for 732 of the hospitalizations last year. The average length of stay was eight days, with treatment for mood disorders listed as the most common reason for hospitalization. Schizophrenic and psychotic disorders were listed as the second most frequent presentation, followed by other disorders like eating disorders and substance-related disorders. The CIHI report also indicates while there has been an increase in the number of young people going to hospital to seek treatment for their mental health, the rate of Canadian youth being diagnosed with mental health disorders is unchanged.

Winnipeg health care poll a 'condemnation of premier's leadership': Manitoba NDP May 07, 2019

September 2018 poll showed 38 per cent of respondents felt health-care services got worse in past year

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew presented a fall 2018 poll in question period Monday, showing 38 per cent of respondents thought Winnipeg health-care services had changed for the worse in the past year. (Shutterstock)

Manitoba New Democrats say a poll showing a spike in the percentage of Winnipeggers who think the city's health care is getting worse shows the government isn't listening to voters. The September 2018 poll commissioned by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority showed that 38 per cent of respondents felt the city's health-care services had changed for the worse over the past year. That's compared to 20 per cent of respondents who felt that way in 2017. Results of the Probe Research poll were obtained by the NDP through a freedom of information request and shared with CBC News. NDP Leader Wab Kinew presented the results during question period Monday. He said the numbers show Winnipeggers aren't happy with sweeping changes to the health-care system under the Progressive Conservative government. "This is evidence that the premier is not listening to Manitobans when it comes to health care. People are saying it's getting worse," Kinew told reporters at the legislature. "Why they don't listen to Manitobans, to me, it's just a condemnation of this premier's leadership style."  Consultant who proposed Manitoba's health-care overhaul will review closure of Concordia ER  Half of Winnipeg's ERs closing in biggest health-care revamp 'in a generation' The first phase of the dramatic overall included the closure of the emergency room at Victoria General Hospital and the urgent care centre at Misericordia Health Centre. Health Minister Cameron Friesen announced last week the province has enlisted Dr. David Peachey, the consultant who laid out the original plan for the changes, to review the second phase, which would include closing emergency rooms at the Concordia and Seven Oaks hospitals. On Monday, Pallister said it's not surprising change on that scale isn't universally popular. But he said the status quo in Manitoba wasn't working. "I'm always concerned when I hear politicians quoting polls as a reason to make public policy. That's the reason we didn't have any progress under the previous government," he said. "Polls aside, change is hard. It would surprise me if everyone loved change. That's why it's hard. It's necessary, though, for us to move from dead last in the country to shorter wait times."

'We are the forgotten people' Calls for help from residents of Winnipeg care home lost in bureaucracy, neglect 05/6/2019

This is a story about forgotten people. KeKiNan Centre is an assisted living centre for Indigenous seniors that has been operating since 1991. Lauded as the first of its kind, KeKiNan ("our home" in Cree) was created in response to the growing number of seniors who needed an affordable home and had specific needs — such as staff who could speak Indigenous languages. For 20 years, KeKiNan existed as a 31-unit, single-floor building for 65 years old-plus "independent" Indigenous residents at 100 Robinson Ave. in Winnipeg’s North End. In 2010, KeKiNan expanded, adding a 28-unit, three-story building next door (102 Robinson Ave.) as "assisted living" for those 55 years old-plus. The new building came with promises to provide culturally- specific programming, such as ceremonies, feasts, and staff fluent in Indigenous languages.

More than 60 Indigenous seniors live at KeKiNan. There was much hope during those days — and staff and resources to match. Those days are gone. Today, more than 60 Indigenous seniors live at KeKiNan. Most are residential school survivors. They are asking for help. "We are the forgotten people," one resident says, "and the situation here is getting worse." KeKiNan is owned and subsidized by Manitoba Housing, managed by the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corp. (Winnipeg Housing), and led by a "community" board of directors. It has a single caretaker for both buildings. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority provides a half-time tenant resource co-ordinator and some individual home care for residents. In recent years, residents say KeKiNan has suffered from neglect, even abuse. "This place is being run like a residential school," one tenant says, "and if we talk about it, we will be thrown on the street with nowhere to go." Several KeKiNan residents have impressively and meticulously documented of six years of meetings, reports, emails to management, and calls for help to organizations. In a June 14, 2013, report for the Southern Chiefs' Organization, tenants cited "manhandling of residents" by KeKiNan staff, intimidation by management, "theft occurring within resident apartments," "racism," and asked to have a say on who sat on the board of directors. At a September 2018 tenants meeting, it was reported "many of the issues and concerns remain untouched/addressed by WHRC management and board of directors." During interviews and investigation at KeKiNan, residents asked the Free Press not to use their names, for fear of retribution. Residents say there has never been any Indigenous cultural programming at KeKiNan. or much programming at all. There is no staff beyond the half-time worker from the WRHA, who does basic tasks. (This is perhaps not surprising: the job description asks staff to be "familiar with Aboriginal culture.") 'We’re vulnerable...and no one seems to care' The facility has had a rotation of caretakers — and a six-month span in 2018 when there was none at all, leaving no one in the building except residents and a few health-care workers and kitchen staff. "We’re vulnerable," one elderly woman says, "and no one seems to care." There is no security presence in the building besides a few security cameras. "But no one mans the cameras," a tenant says, "and the cameras go the manager’s office, who is barely here. Even if something happened no one would see it." Crime is a near-daily occurrence at KeKiNan. At a September 2018 tenant meeting, it’s reported money and even appliances often go missing. Tenants also stated kitchen staff had been abusive, drug-dealing had been taking place in the facility, and clothes stolen were from the laundry room. One tenant says the TV was stolen from the recreation room last December, in the middle of the day. Police are called "all the time, especially at night." According to the Winnipeg Police Service, officers have been dispatched to KeKiNan five times over the past seven days, including intervening in a situation involving a non-resident who entered a suite without permission and created a disturbance. Tenants say the locks on the front door mean little and strangers frequent the building. Non-tenants come in to "party." It has led to an atmosphere of fear. "I want to move out," a tenant says, "but where would I go?" According to tenants, cars have been vandalized and people can’t walk the grounds due to used needles and strangers, often intoxicated, walking on the roof and around the facility, knocking on windows and harassing residents. As there is no security on site, the community volunteer Bear Clan Patrol visits KeKiNan a few nights a week. They clean up and advocate for residents — even showing Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette around KeKiNan in November.

Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every evening. Sign Up However, the safety issues at KeKiNan go much deeper. When emergencies happen, it is a life- threatening situation. Assisted living residents live on the third floor and many are disabled; there is no one to help them escape quickly and safely. Many are poor, have no cellphone, and come from remote communities. There is one pay phone on the first floor. "Last year, we had a fire alarm," one tenant says, "and a woman had to drag herself by her hands down the hall." Over the past five years, three tenants have died and not been found for hours or even days. One wasn’t found for more than a week — when tenants demanded to have her door opened. Manager of the centre, Michelle Meeches at Winnipeg Housing, said "all recent resident concerns have been addressed" and directed the Free Press to her supervisor, James Heinrich. He directed inquiries to the chairman of the KeKiNan board, Lawrence Poirier. Poirier said KeKiNan isn’t an "old age home" and "funding is the biggest problem. We’ve tried to address this, but we’re volunteers. If tenants need more help, then maybe they shouldn’t be staying at KeKiNan." He directed contact back Winnipeg Housing. In late April, KeKiNan residents contacted a small group of Indigenous leaders, including Diane Redsky from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata and Sen. Murray Sinclair (disclosure: my father). They agreed to try to help (this is where I got involved). Diane Redsky from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata We all found the same problem: no one seems to care about KeKiNan. Redsky spent a week talking to representatives from the WRHA. No one, it appears, knows who is in charge, who to speak to, and what to do. "It’s not clear who is responsible for what over there," she says, "and where the duty of care begins and ends." Meanwhile, KeKiNan tenants remain neglected, abused, and asking for help. They are the forgotten people, again

Rally pushes for increased midwifery support 05/6/2019

Manitoba midwives and their supporters are calling on the provincial government to fund more midwifery positions in the province. "I hear all the time that getting a midwife is like winning a lottery," Sarah Davis, president of the Midwives Association of Manitoba, told a crowd of close to 100 gathered in front of the Manitoba legislature Monday in the wake of the 2019 International Day of the Midwife. This month, 12 local midwives are graduating from a joint University of Manitoba-McMaster University program — and just two have jobs lined up in Thompson, Davis said in an interview. The other 10 may have to work out of the province if Manitoba doesn't fund any new positions, she said. That doesn't sit well with advocates who say midwives play a vital role in the health of Manitobans.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ashley Ford, with her nine-month-old, Daisy, says a midwife saved her life during the birth of her first child. Ashley Ford says a midwife saved her life and that of her first-born child.

"I had severe preeclampsia," said Ford, who was at the demonstration Monday with her nearly-three- year-old daughter, Poppy. The condition, formerly known as toxemia, involves high blood pressure and puts mom and baby at high risk. Ford said she was 33 weeks pregnant when she had a strange headache and one swollen foot. She called her midwife, Elaine Labdon, to let her know. "I was grocery shopping and on-call when Ashley called to say she had a weird feeling," said Labdon, who delivered hundreds of babies in England before moving to Canada and training to have her midwifery credentials recognized here. Labdon said Ford's blood pressure was "extremely high", and directed them to the hospital right away, where premature Poppy was delivered by caesarean section. The healthy relationship that develops between parents and a midwife can save lives, said Ford. "She helped me have a good birth experience with (second daughter) Daisy."

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Midwife, Elaine Labdon. There are close to 40 practising midwives in Manitoba, according to the association, but nearly 200 are needed to meet demand as some health regions have no midwives. The regulatory body that governs midwifery in Manitoba says it doesn't track numbers but, anecdotally, knows more are needed. "In some regions, 50 per cent of the women are turned away," said Janice Erickson, registrar of the Manitoba College of Midwives. A Winnipeg Regional Health Authority spokesman said Monday fewer than 10 per cent of women who requested a midwife in Winnipeg were declined because there wasn't a midwife available. Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every evening. Sign Up This year's 12 midwifery grads are the second class to graduate in Manitoba after the troubled University College of the North program that began in 2006 was discontinued by the province in 2016. The provincial government agreed to a partnership with Hamilton, Ont.,-based McMaster to allow students in the program to complete their studies at U of M, but provided no long-term solution for a future program. On Monday, a statement from Health Minister Cameron Friesen said there is more work to do. "Clinical teams are examining data and developing models of care that will best support access to quality perinatal care for Manitoba’s population. This includes a focus on how best to meet the needs of pregnant women and their families through collaboration among health-care providers — of which, midwives are an important and valuable part of. Midwives are an active part of this planning." The province could save health-care dollars by using more midwives, said their association president. One-quarter of births attended by Manitoba midwives in 2018 took place outside of hospital and, in Winnipeg, the rate of births occurring by c-section with midwifery care was only 11 per cent, compared to the national average of almost 29 per cent, said Davis. ‘Babies facing opioid withdrawal should 'room-in' with their mom

Nearly four out of 10 Manitobans feel health care gotten worse: Probe poll May 6, 2019

A Probe Research poll found 38% of those surveyed believed health-care services were getting worse, while 8% weren't sure, 48% felt they stayed the same and 7% felt they improved.Brian Donogh / Brian Donogh/Winnipeg Sun Nearly 40% of Winnipeggers believed health-care services in the city had gotten worse in the 12 months leading up to 2017/18, according to an opinion poll obtained by the Manitoba NDP and released on Monday. “There has been a significant shift in perceptions of health-care services in Winnipeg over the past year, among those expressing a neutral view to those expressing a more negative view,” states a Winnipeg Regional Health Authority document discussing the poll. A chart included in the document shows the Probe Research poll found 38% of those surveyed believed services were getting worse, while 8% weren’t sure, 48% felt they stayed the same and 7% felt they improved. The portion of those who felt the system had gotten worse was 20% in 2016/17 and 10% in 2015/16. Premier Brian Pallister said he’s received plenty of compliments and criticism about the province’s controversial Winnipeg health-facility transformation. But Pallister refrained from drawing conclusions from the poll, which began a month after the transformation process closed Victoria Hospital’s emergency room. Story continues below Pallister said a recently announced decision to review the second phase of the health-facility consolidation plan, which was expected to close Concordia Hospital’s ER in June, isn’t based on concerns about the overhaul’s popularity. How do you think health-care services in Winnipeg compare to a year ago? VoteView Results “I’m always concerned when I hear politicians quoting polls as a reason to make public policy,” said Pallister. “Polls aside, change is hard and it would surprise me if everyone loved change … It’s necessary, though, for us to move from dead-last in the country to shorter wait times,” he added. By contrast, NDP leader Wab Kinew deems the poll as evidence that Manitobans don’t agree with the government’s health-facility transformation, which is ultimately slated to close three emergency rooms in total and shift the services offered at all Winnipeg hospitals.

Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew. Joyanne Pursaga/Winnipeg Sun/Postmedia Network Joyanne Pursaga / Winnipeg Sun/Postmedia Network “This is evidence that the premier is not listening to Manitobans when it comes to health care. People are saying that it’s getting worse … This government knows that their plan is not working,” said Kinew.

The document notes those most likely to believe services had grown worse were those who had gone to the Health Sciences Centre emergency department (50%), First Nations respondents (48%), women (44%) and those who had used health-care services over the previous year (44%). Probe Research surveyed a total of 1,000 people by telephone over four quarterly polls between November 2017 and August 2018. The results are considered accurate within +/- 3.1 percentage points, with 95% certainty. Margins of error are higher for sub-group results.

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