Dozens of autism advocates rallied outside the Manitoba Legislature on Saturday to hold the government to its reversal on Bill 232, the autism screening and supports bill, ahead of Tuesday's vote. The government had proposed amendments excluding adults after a 14-hour committee hearing, but Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine rolled them back Friday after public outcry, and now says it will support the bill in its original all-ages form. Rally speakers, including Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux, who introduced the bill, said supports must continue across the lifespan, not just in childhood.
If Bill 232 passes in its original form on Tuesday, autistic adults in Manitoba keep access to screening, diagnosis and supports across their lifespan instead of losing them at 18 — a direct follow-up to the government's policy reversal.
Manitoba is dropping amendments that would have limited its new autism strategy to children, so the bill will pass in its original all-ages form, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced. The reversal followed public outcry, 70+ emails to her office and a 14-hour committee hearing, from adults and families who said supports like help staying employed and living independently should not end at 18. Fontaine also announced $5 million to expand children's autism services at St. Amant, $1.75 million for overnight respite care, and said community pediatricians can now submit autism diagnoses.
Autistic adults in Manitoba keep access to the strategy's supports, employment and independent-living help won't cut off at 18, and the St. Amant funding expands children's services and respite care.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is hosting community clinics for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Residents can book appointments online or by phone, and walk-ins are welcome. Immunizations are also available through primary care providers, ACCESS Centres, and local pharmacies.
You can direct your patients to book their flu and COVID-19 shots online, by phone, or at local pharmacies and ACCESS Centres.
Shared Health has launched mobile crisis services for adults in Winnipeg facing mental health emergencies. This initiative provides support directly to individuals in their own environment, reducing the need for them to travel to hospitals or clinical settings for care.
Expect fewer mental health patients arriving at hospitals as mobile teams now provide care directly in the community.
The Northern Health Region has launched Indigenous Birth Helper Services at Thompson General Hospital. Part of the Ikiskawasoot initiative, these helpers provide cultural, spiritual, and physical support to families throughout the birthing process. The program aims to ensure families feel connected to their traditions and community while receiving care.
You can now connect families at Thompson General Hospital with Indigenous Birth Helpers for cultural and spiritual support during their birthing process.
Following flood damage on July 1, 2026, the Dauphin Regional Health Centre remains under restoration. Emergency and inpatient services were relocated to Ste. Rose and Grandview, with temporary lab and treatment clinics established. Provincial authorities and health organizations continue efforts to restore full clinical operations at the facility.
Emergency and inpatient services are currently relocated to Ste. Rose and Grandview while restoration work continues at the Dauphin facility.
The Manitoba government is expanding community-based support services. This initiative is designed to improve patient flow and help individuals transition into the most appropriate care settings.
