Paramedics are in the process of being self-regulated under the Regulated Health Professionals Act of Manitoba.

The next step in self-regulation is consultations with stakeholders said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

“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.  

The province has brought in Reg Toews, a former assistant deputy minister and regional health authority CEO, to lead the consultation process. He is mandated with forming a consensus between stakeholders but if that cannot be achieved then he is to develop up to three options on implementing paramedic self-regulation.

 “I look forward to bringing everyone together to work out the next steps in this process and achieve paramedic self-regulation in Manitoba.” said Toews.

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. 

“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.” said Jodi Possia, chair, Paramedic Association of Manitoba.

“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.

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.