Health policyToday · Oct 28, 2026Manitoba

Manitoba adults with spinal muscular atrophy gain continued access to risdiplam

Jeremy Bray, 31, of Rivers, Man., who has Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, will keep access to risdiplam (Evrysdi) after Canada's Drug Agency issued a draft recommendation supporting expanded public coverage for the drug in adults over 25, reversing its earlier position. Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara told Bray the province will follow the updated recommendation, saying 'Jeremy is covered.' The drug costs roughly $300,000 a year; the recommendations are not binding and negotiations with the manufacturer are still required.

A federal reversal on age limits for a high-cost rare-disease drug, followed by a provincial coverage promise, could open access for other Manitoba adults over 25 with spinal muscular atrophy — and ends years of uncertainty for a patient whose treatment was about to stop.

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News source: Manitoba adults with spinal muscular atrophy gain continued access to risdiplam (opens in a new tab) — CBC News

Health policyTodayManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Winnipeg emergency physicians request pause on proposed virtual care assessment model

More than 60 emergency doctors at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital have asked Manitoba’s health minister to pause talks on a possible virtual care model for emergency departments, under which ER waiting-room patients could be assessed virtually by out-of-province doctors. The doctors say they learned of the idea only days before vendor site visits in mid-October, and want the model and evidence disclosed, alternatives compared and an urgent meeting held. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara says the province is only in consultation and no decisions have been made.

Frontline ER staff could be asked to implement a virtual-assessment model they were not consulted on — this tracks whether remote assessment by out-of-province doctors moves ahead in Manitoba ERs, and what it means for patient safety and clinical responsibility.

News source: CBC News (opens in a new tab)

Health policyYesterdayCanada

Public funding for ovarian cancer drug Elahere moves closer to approval

The Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and the manufacturer of Elahere have reached a funding agreement. This targeted chemotherapy for FRα-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is now recommended for public reimbursement by Canada’s Drug Agency. Provincial and territorial governments must now finalize the process to include the drug in their respective public plans.

If you treat patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, this agreement moves the drug closer to being covered by provincial public drug plans.

News source: The Canadian Press (CityNews) (opens in a new tab)

Health policyYesterdayCanada

Federal government introduces bill to restrict MAID for mental health conditions

The federal government is tabling legislation to permanently exclude individuals with mental illness as their sole underlying condition from accessing medical assistance in dying. The bill also introduces provisions for advance requests, allowing patients with degenerative conditions to consent to MAID before losing capacity. The legislation must pass by March 17, 2027.

If this bill passes, provinces will decide whether to implement advance request procedures within their own health systems.

News source: CityNews Winnipeg (opens in a new tab)

Due in 4 daysHealth policyYesterdayManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Deer Lodge Centre to operate Charleswood senior day program with 20 expansions

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced Oct. 26 that the Charleswood adult day program for seniors will continue, after Lions Housing Centre said last month it would end Oct. 31. Deer Lodge Centre will run the program at the same location with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority support, and the WRHA takes charge Nov. 1. Deer Lodge will expand its adult day program, adding 20 spaces for seniors living with dementia. The province signed a 10-year lease for the facility; the costs have not been revealed.

Seniors in Charleswood keep a program that keeps them connected to their community — and the province is adding 20 spaces for seniors living with dementia.