Medical tools are pictured in an exam room at a health clinic in Calgary, July 14, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
WINNIPEG — Preliminary data from Manitoba’s first race-based health study reveals that Black, Indigenous, and other racialized patients face longer emergency room wait times compared to white patients, despite having similar medical needs.
The data was collected through a voluntary program led by Shared Health, the University of Manitoba’s Ongomiizwin Institute, and the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation. It also showed that a higher percentage of racialized healthcare workers report experiencing racism compared to their white colleagues.
“The findings of this data are, unfortunately, not unique to Manitoba,” said Minister Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
“The systemic failure to provide adequate care to an increasingly racially diverse population is a national issue, but our government is committed to addressing these gaps within our system.”
In response, Manitoba says it is expanding anti-racism and cultural safety training for emergency room staff, with plans to roll it out across the health system. The findings will guide targeted changes aimed at reducing systemic racism and improving care equity.
