June 18, 2026
Manitoba Government Welcomes Primary Care Paramedics and Emergency Medical Responders to The Pas and Rural Communities
– – –Graduates Strengthen Rural Ambulance Services, Build Future Paramedic Workforce: Asagwara
The Manitoba government is welcoming 12 newly trained emergency medical responders (EMRs) who will soon join ambulance services in rural and northern Manitoba communities, including two students currently enrolled in University College of the North’s primary care paramedic (PCP) program who will work in The Pas, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
“Every Manitoban deserves timely access to emergency medical care, no matter where they live,” said Asagwara. “These graduates are stepping into critical front-line roles in rural communities and represent an important part of our work to recruit, train and retain emergency medical professionals across Manitoba.”
Of the graduates, 10 completed training through an EMR program delivered in Arborg through the Manitoba government’s partnership with Criti Care paramedic academy, while two are attending University College of the North in The Pas and are working this summer to gain experience prior to completing their PCP education in the fall.
EMRs are emergency responders who provide front-line emergency care and support ambulance operations. The role also serves as an entry point into the paramedic profession, with opportunities to continue training and advance to become PCPs and advanced care paramedics.
Alongside new EMRs, five new PCPs will also begin provincial onboarding this month and will support ambulance services in rural Manitoba communities, the minister noted.
New EMRs and PCPs will support ambulance services in communities across Manitoba, including The Pas, Lac du Bonnet, St. Laurent, Ashern, Arborg, Minnedosa, Glenboro, Erickson and Gypsumville.
The Manitoba government has introduced a $5,000 bursary to help make EMR training more affordable and accessible for students willing to work in rural communities, the minister noted, adding that work is ongoing with emergency medical services (EMS) leadership to support EMRs who wish to continue their education and advance through Manitoba's paramedic training pathway.
The Manitoba government continues to expand training opportunities and strengthen recruitment efforts to help build a sustainable EMS workforce across Manitoba, the minister noted.
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