Front-line health care workers will have the opportunity to voice their opinions as the province launches their 'Listening to the Front Lines' Health Care tour.

Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement Monday afternoon.

“The first step to fixing the damage done to health care is to address the health care staffing crisis. We want front-line workers to know they can speak freely, without threat of retribution, to a government that values their expertise and cares about them,” said Kinew. “This listening tour is about resetting that relationship and collaborating with front-line workers to tackle the challenges we face in health care together.”

Each stop of the tour will be an hour long and will allow health care workers to chat with the premier, the health, seniors and long-term care minister, and members of the government caucus in person.

“Health-care workers dedicate themselves to caring for others, but we recognize it is as important to take care of and listen to them as well,” said Asagwara. “This listening exercise demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving the culture in health care and working co-operatively to deliver better care to Manitobans.”

The first stop of the tour will be held at Grace Hospital on Dec. 8. The tour will also make stops at St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Victoria General Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Centre, Selkirk Mental Health Centre, Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Thompson General Hosptial.

Additional locations may be added to the tour schedule.