March 1, 2021
Statement from Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson on COVID-19 Infection in Manitoba: Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity Report
It is important to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Manitobans differently based on their race, ethnicity or indigeneity. That is why Manitoba was the first jurisdiction in Canada to start collecting this data in relation to COVID-19 cases in May 2020. I would like to thank our public health officials for compiling this report, and the advisory working group with representatives from the black, Indigenous and persons of colour (BIPOC) communities who supported the data collection and sharing process.
We have learned that in the fight against COVID-19, we need to have the right data to ensure we are able to take the steps needed to protect all Manitobans. Our trusted public health officials, like Dr. Brent Roussin and Dr. Marcia Anderson, review this information to determine how it can be used to ensure all Manitobans are protected, regardless of their background. This report also explores how outcomes differ between gender and different occupations in the BIPOC community.
We will continue to work with our health-care partners to ensure the personal health information remains private and protected, while also allowing our public health officials to use an evidence-based approach to ensuring every Manitoban has access to the health care they deserve.
This report is just another example of how we are guided by science and facts when developing a strategy for our pandemic response system and vaccination distribution plan, to protect every Manitoban.
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