The Manitoba government is restoring specialized menopause care with a $5.2‑million investment to establish the Manitoba Menopause Clinic in southwest Winnipeg, delivering on a promise to rebuild services cut nearly a decade ago.
Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long‑Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement, outlining a new interdisciplinary, community‑based model expected to expand access and reduce wait times across the province.
“Very happy to be here for some good news,” Kinew said. “We’re very proud to announce $5.2 million to create the Manitoba Menopause Clinic.” He framed the announcement as a follow‑through on a campaign commitment, adding, “We said we were going to do it and now we are. Promise made, promise kept.”
Kinew emphasized the importance of menopause care as part of lifelong health services. “Women deserve high-quality health care through every season of life,” he said. “And as you go through the season of menopause, I think there are so many unique opportunities for Manitoba’s health care system to be there to support you.” He also noted Manitoba’s history in the field. “Manitoba once led the way when it came to delivering menopause services, and now we want to reclaim that spot.”
The Manitoba Menopause Clinic will reopen as a standalone outpatient centre at 1333 Kenaston Blvd. in Winnipeg, offering menopause and gynecological care, including minimally invasive procedures, counselling, education and coordinated interdisciplinary supports. While located in Winnipeg, Kinew said the clinic will serve the entire province. “So not only will it benefit Winnipeg, this will benefit women from the north, from western Manitoba, the southeast, the Interlake everywhere.”
Asagwara credited leadership and advocacy for bringing the clinic back. “I don’t know where else in the country you’re going to find a premier who talks about menopause,” she said. “This is what a government can do… and to not shy away from what more than half of the population navigates.” She confirmed, “We are so proud to be here to announce that we are going to reopen the Manitoba Menopause Clinic here in our province.”
Asagwara described the closure of the former Mature Women’s Clinic in 2017 as “a devastating decision,” adding, “Many, many, many Manitobans spoke up and pleaded with them not to take that step… and we know that that has had real consequences on countless women across this province.” She said the new clinic marks a turning point. “And so today, yes, we are restoring that service… the Manitoba Menopause Clinic. It is going to be a leader in Canada.”
Former patient Amanda Le Rougetel shared her experience, saying, “When I was 46, I was the most grateful patient of the Mature Women’s Center before it was shut down.” Describing years of dismissal, she said, “I was confused, and I felt alone.” Care at the clinic changed that. “I was told three things that changed my life. This is not normal. It’s not in your head, and we can help.”
Physician Dr. Rebecca Renkas, who worked at the former centre, warned the gap in care has only widened. “At the time, I said that closing the clinic felt like sending our patients into the abyss,” she said. “I wish I could tell you that I was wrong. I wasn’t.” Renkas said specialized menopause wait times can exceed a year, adding, “That’s the gap this clinic is designed to help close.”
The clinic is expected to open in early fall 2027 and support thousands of outpatient visits annually as volumes grow, reconnecting women with specialized, coordinated menopause care throughout Manitoba.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultura
