Report urges Winnipeg to set up emergency service to respond to wellness calls
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
WINNIPEG – A new report is recommending Winnipeg develop a new emergency service line dedicated to responding to mental health crises.
The document, initiated last year by Mayor Scott Gillingham, says a mental health and addictions crisis response model could divert more than 10,000 calls each year to experts in the field.
Currently, police, fire and paramedic members are the only options available to respond to wellness calls when someone calls 911.
The proposed model would see the city work with Indigenous organizations, community agencies, health-care providers and emergency services to determine who is best suited to respond.
Gillingham says it would help people while allowing emergency responders to focus on urgent calls that require their specialized skills.
He said he plans to ask city council to endorse the report’s recommendations in September, and says support from the Manitoba government is also needed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2026.