Public Health Care Protection Act
Manitoba's Bill 14 (Public Health Care Protection Act) is the Kinew NDP government's framework legislation prohibiting for-profit clinics from charging Manitoba residents for medically necessary services covered by Manitoba Health (insured services under the Canada Health Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-6). Brought after the Brian Pallister and Heather Stefanson PC governments expanded fee-for-service private-clinic arrangements between 2018 and 2023. The Act creates new penalties under the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Act (C.C.S.M. c. H35) for facilities charging extra-billing fees, restores the public-system primacy framework, and aligns Manitoba with the Trudeau government's federal Diagnostic Services Policy interpretation of the CHA.
Status
Quick learn
Restricts how much of Manitoba's publicly funded surgical and diagnostic capacity can be contracted to private clinics. A Kinew NDP campaign commitment; contrasts with the Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta approach of expanding private surgical capacity to manage wait times.
Issues this bill touches
- Healthcare
Restricts how much of Manitoba's publicly funded surgical and diagnostic capacity can be contracted to private clinics.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Royal assent
Approved by both chambers and granted royal assent; now law.
View source
Sponsored by
Wab KinewMB NDPOfficial source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada