Premier Brian Pallister spoke about the issue of doctor retention in Manitoba following the recent throne speech in Winnipeg this past week. Pallister says while he doesn't want to steal any thunder from the great work health minister Kelvin Goertzen's doing, he does make reference to his own concerns.

"We are really aware that the provision of healthcare in rural communities has been suffering. It has eroded over the last number of years to the detriment of those who live in rural communities, and who visit and travel to rural communities, which is an increasing number of people, I think, who see the beauty and potential of our communities."

Pallister notes doctor recruitment and retention's a concern for rural regions and not just Winnipeg. He explains it's a problem that hurts many communities and has actually affected business recruitment and economic expansion opportunities in these areas. Pallister adds he's committed to ensuring the federal government doesn't slide out from beneath its responsibilities on this issue.