Those involved with the University of Manitoba's Midwifery Program can complete their students, thanks to a new agreement. Earlier this year the program's future was in question, as the province raised concerns over the cost of the program, and the low number of graduates seen over the years. However, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart recently announced a partnership between the U of M and Ontario's McMaster University, to allow the 14 students who completed their first year to finish their studies.

Wishart admits it's only a short-term solution, and the current agreement only covers the three years remaining in the current students' education. However, he says their partnership with McMaster also sees discussions surrounding a long-term solution. While the current memorandum of understanding was signed between the U of M and McMaster, Wishart says any long-term partnership needs to be dealt with by the provinces.

"One of the anomalies of the education system is that when it comes to the existing students the universities can sign and agreement between them and work together. When you start planning over multiple years, it has to be a province-to-province agreement, so the Manitoba government has to make an arrangement not with McMaster, but with the province of Ontario."

Wishart notes it's still too early to announce just what changes could help ensure the program is more viable but hints that it could involve continuing their partnership with McMaster into the future. He says their goal is to ensure the program isn't coming at a major expense to Manitobans and says the Hamilton-based university could help to make the current program more feasible.

"What we need to do is set it up so it's a good reliable program. The program out of Ontario is actually the longest-standing program in Canada, so it has a very good scholastic history, so we're very pleased to be associated with that. We're very pleased to be able to offer that here in Manitoba through the University of Manitoba at a lower cost than the previous program."

Wishart says early indications show the currently enrolled students are pleased with the partnership, but notes their interest can only truly be gauged once those classes begin again in September.