Manitoba respiratory therapist shortage could worsen with retirements

A union says Manitoba faces a shortage of respiratory therapists, citing about 50 unfilled positions across Winnipeg hospitals and low student enrolment that may not replace upcoming retirements.

A union representing allied health workers in Manitoba warns the province could face worsening shortages of respiratory therapists as a wave of retirements approaches and enrolment in training remains limited. The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) reported dozens of vacant roles and many unclaimed shifts, and said staff are working extended hours. Staffing levels have barely changed since before the COVID‑19 pandemic, while population growth and an aging workforce add pressure. Provincial and university actions to increase program intake were announced in 2024, and the government reported some recent hires, but gaps persist. Current situation: - MAHCP reports about 50 unfilled respiratory therapist positions across Winnipeg's three acute care centres, plus additional vacancies in rural hospitals. - Vacancy rates cited by the union include roughly 25% at Health Sciences Centre, 42% at Grace Hospital, and 36% at St. Boniface Hospital. - Respiratory therapists logged almost 90,000 overtime hours over the past two years, according to the union's release. - National data note nearly one in five respiratory therapists was over age 50 as of 2023, and Statistics Canada has classified the occupation as at "strong risk of shortage" for 2024–2033. - The University of Manitoba and the province announced in fall 2024 a plan to double annual intake for the three‑year program; current cohorts reported by the union include 23 first‑year and 21 second‑year students, with about a dozen third‑year graduates expected this spring. Summary: The union describes an ongoing staffing strain in Manitoba hospitals driven by vacancies, sustained overtime and an aging workforce, and it warns retirements and limited enrolment could make shortages worse. The province reported recruitment and program intake changes, but the overall effect on vacancy levels is undetermined at this time.