1st throne speech from new Manitoba premier promises to keep nurses in province, re-examine rural health care

In the first throne speech since Heather Stefanson became Manitoba's premier, the Progressive Conservative government promises to re-examine changes proposed to rural health care, ensure more graduating nurses stay in the province and introduce a strategy to reduce homelessness.

Stefanson's first throne speech, an 11-page document obtained by CBC News Monday evening, lays out the first steps of the new premier's effort to set herself apart from her unpopular predecessor, Brian Pallister.

The historic speech — the first prepared by a female premier — is scheduled to be read by Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon on Tuesday afternoon.

It lays out the broad strokes of Stefanson's plans to improve core government functions such as health care and education and also rewards the nurses and firefighters she courted when she ran for leader of the PC party.

Stefanson repeats an earlier government pledge to train 400 more nurses. What's new is 20 will be trained through a two-year diploma program at the University College of the North in Thompson. The Northern Health Region has promised to hire every graduate from the program in 2023, the speech states.

"In addition, we will ensure every graduate receives a job offer here in Manitoba with further details to be announced," the document reads.

When she ran for PC leader, Stefanson signed a pledge of support prepared by the Manitoba Nurses Union.

Health-care outside Winnipeg is also in line for a boost, as the government intends to "re-examine the reforms and changes proposed for facilities in rural Manitoba."

The government also pledges to expand the list of presumptive cancers that will be considered workplace illnesses for firefighters.

During the leadership campaign, the United Firefighters of Winnipeg endorsed Stefanson and signed up new party members on her behalf.

The speech also repeats previous Stefanson pledges to increase intensive care capacity and create a task force to reduce the backlog of surgeries.

Doctors Manitoba estimates 136,000 surgeries and other medical procedures have been postponed.

The government also promises to bring in a homelessness strategy this winter, utilizing a "whole of government approach."

Stefanson plans to come up with "a renewed seniors strategy," provide more money for family violence shelters and prioritize single parents, Indigenous youths and people with disabilities in a provincial economic recovery plan.