Manitoba is increasing the number of French-language nursing education at the Université de Saint-Boniface bachelor of nursing program with 30 additional spots. This will increase the overall number of places from 45 to 75 for the 2026-27 academic year.
The announcement was made by Manitoba’s Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable, and Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara. According to the province, this expansion is meant to cater the increasing need for bilingual healthcare services in Manitoba.
According to the Manitoba government, there is an increase in the number of applicants for the French-language nursing program every year. Officials believe increasing seats will help train more nurses who can work in francophone and bilingual health-care facilities.
The provincial government is planning on spending around $220,000 over a period of four years to support the additional seats. This funding will expand training opportunities for French-speaking individuals who wish to build careers in Manitoba’s healthcare industry.
Education Minister Renée Cable stated that the increase would help in enhancing education and French-language delivery of services in Manitoba. She also added that the aim of the provincial government is to ensure students can study and work in French while helping strengthen the health-care workforce.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said that the increase responds to concerns raised by communities and health-care administrators about the shortage of French-speaking nurses. Moreover, better access to care in a patient’s preferred language can improve communication and patient comfort.
The Université de Saint-Boniface welcomed this announcement, calling it a significant step in the education of French-language healthcare professionals in western Canada. Currently, it is the only university in this region to offer a Bachelor of Nursing Program entirely in French.
Sophie Bouffard, President of the University, highlighted that the demand for healthcare services in French is increasing in Manitoba. In addition, the increased number of admissions will ensure an increase in training bilingual nurses who will join Manitoba’s healthcare system.
Community organizations have also supported this decision, noting that the increased funding will be helpful in developing bilingual healthcare delivery, especially in those areas with high francophone populations.
The Government of Manitoba claims that recruitment, training, and retention of health workers are top priorities as it continues rebuilding its healthcare system.
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