(SHARED HEALTH / FILE)
The Manitoba government is increasing paramedic training opportunities across the province, aiming to boost staffing levels and improve emergency response times.
Premier Wab Kinew and provincial ministers announced several changes on Wednesday, including new direct-entry training options and expanded classroom seats in both Winnipeg and the north.
A new primary care paramedic (PCP) direct-entry program at RRC Polytech launched this fall, allowing students to start training sooner. The province has added 14 seats to the program, bringing total PCP enrolment at the college to 40.
Training is also expanding in northern Manitoba. University College of the North now offers 32 PCP seats between Thompson and The Pas, including 16 newly added positions focused on supporting rural and remote communities.
The government is also adjusting the advanced care paramedicine program at RRC Polytech to better match practicum availability by shifting to a full spring intake. The change will allow graduates to move directly into placements, with 13 students set to train with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service in fall 2026 and 16 in fall 2027.
Watch Wednesday’s news conference:
