Posted November 24, 2025
MAHCP learned last week of a serious assault on a St. Boniface Hospital employee which occurred on November 8 — a frightening incident which compromises feelings of safety for all staff and patients.
Our team was appalled by how long it took the employer to communicate with employees about the incident. We have been pushing healthcare employers for urgent action, as they simply aren’t doing enough to keep our members safe.
We are calling on healthcare employers to connect across sites to compare learnings and best practices. Your employers must take responsibility for leading this work, and demand their funders invest in improved safety and security measures. It’s time for a system-wide safety and security audit because there are risks everywhere.
Please know your MAHCP Labour Relations Officers are available to support you directly (for St. Boniface employees: Chelsea Kaufmann, Yaza Shapata, Aylin Izzet, Garrett Finck). Or, if you prefer, you may connect first with your onsite Member Advocates to discuss any issues affecting you at work. We also remind you:
- If you feel you could benefit from emotional support in the wake of this traumatic incident or to deal with any concerns that may be affecting you, please contact your confidential Employee Assistance Program. It is a workplace benefit.
- We encourage you to report unsafe working conditions and incidents to your facility’s Workplace Safety & Health Committee, and to report to Manitoba’s Workplace Safety & Health branch. You can report by phone (204-957-SAFE) or email (wshcompl@gov.mb.ca) and you may choose to remain anonymous.
MAHCP will continue advocating for your safety on the job. We’ve been calling on government to enforce the Workplace Safety and Health Act and compel healthcare employers to keep you safe, and we’ve initiated legal action to move this matter forward.
In solidarity,
Your MAHCP team