Board Member Resigns, Criticizes Manitoba Health Minister’s Handling of Budget Deficit
A Prairie Mountain Health board member has resigned, accusing Manitoba’s health minister of unfairly blaming regional health authorities for the province’s escalating health care costs. David Moriaux, who also serves as deputy mayor of Swan River, announced his resignation during a public board meeting on December 18, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to addressing health care funding challenges.
Resignation Amid Budget Disputes
Moriaux’s decision came after a December 16 news conference where the NDP government revealed a projected $1.3 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, a significant increase of $500 million. Health care costs were identified as the primary driver, with regional health authorities overspending by $230 million. Finance Minister Adrien Sala attributed the deficits to “longstanding failures” within the health system to manage financial pressures effectively.
In response, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara ordered regional health authorities to redirect 8% of administrative funding toward frontline services—a directive Moriaux believes is unrealistic without compromising essential operations.
Escalating Costs and Agency Nursing
Moriaux pointed to the increasing reliance on private agency nurses as a significant cost driver, particularly in Prairie Mountain, a vast rural region. During the first three quarters of the 2023-24 fiscal year, Prairie Mountain accounted for $21 million of the provincewide $56 million expenditure on agency nurses.
He criticized the government for demanding balanced budgets while refusing to address systemic issues like staffing shortages. “Until you have a new model and staffing in place, there’s nowhere to cut expenses to match revenues,” Moriaux said.
Allegations of Budget Manipulation
Moriaux also accused the province of pressuring Prairie Mountain Health to present manipulated budget figures. He claimed the health authority had submitted a transparent budget showing a $40-million revenue shortfall for 2025-26, only to be told to report a balanced budget instead.
“Our numbers were verified by provincial auditors and backed by data,” Moriaux said. “Now we’re being asked to massage or lie about the numbers, and that’s just not me.”
Government’s Response
Minister Asagwara declined to address Moriaux’s allegations directly but blamed the previous Progressive Conservative government for creating a strained health system. “Reversing the damage caused by their failed strategies will take time,” Asagwara said, emphasizing efforts to redirect funds to frontline services.
Board Members Speak Out
Other board members supported Moriaux’s decision, with Jana Knight highlighting the unique challenges faced by Prairie Mountain, including geographic isolation and insufficient provincial funding. “Pointing fingers at the board undermines the work we do every day,” Knight said.
As Manitoba grapples with a health care funding crisis, Moriaux’s resignation underscores growing tensions between provincial leadership and regional health authorities over accountability and financial sustainability.
Source : Swifteradio.com
