Manitobans can request a modernized plastic health card online to replace their existing paper cards, the province’s health minister says.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the change in a news release on Wednesday.
“Our government has been working hard to move our health-card system into the modern era. and we’re thankful to Manitobans’ patience as we take time to get this process right,” Asagwara said. “Over the next few months, we expect the popularity of this initiative to mean it may take some time for every Manitoban to receive an updated card but we’re focused on finally getting this done.”
Premier Wab Kinew previously said people would be able to apply for the new cards in December, but it was pushed back in part by the strike by postal workers.
Paper cards will continue to be accepted at health-care facilities, Asagwara said. People applying for the new card — which features an image of the northern lights that won a design contest over images of a polar bear or bison — can expect to receive it in the coming months. A digital health card will also be available soon.
Children and youth who have been listed on a family card will now receive their own card, a change that aligns with jurisdictions across Canada, Asagwara said.
In an interview with CBC News, spokesperson Emily Coutts said the government decided to ask Manitobans to apply for the card rather than simply mailing them to everybody because many people will have old addresses on their file. As well, the application requires that people indicate their official language preference, English or French.
Anyone applying for their first health card will automatically receive a plastic card, Coutts said, adding there are mail-in and in-person options for those without internet access
Manitoba and Alberta are the last provinces and territories in Canada to still use paper health cards.