This year, the Manitoba government welcomes children from the Gaza Strip for the second time, in need of health care.
Prime Minister Wab Kinew said kindergarten-era boys and some family members traveled to Egypt and were flown to Winnipeg after being screened by international nonprofit workers and the federal government.
Kinew cites Health Privacy Act without disclosing the child's condition, but says the boy needs medical services that are not available in his country.
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An 11-year-old Palestinian boy from Gaza passed through Egypt in January, and they also need health care.
In both cases, the Manitoba Islamic Association and other community groups have raised funds to provide housing, food and other essentials, Kinew said.
Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, children have been sent from Gaza to Qatar, North America and various European countries for medical services.
“The Manitobans have a heart to help, and when we can help kids, I think it’s something we all can gather,” Kinew told reporters Friday a few hours after the family landed at Winnipeg Airport.
Kinew said the boy arrived with his mother, grandmother and two young siblings, and the treatment he needed could be handled through the capabilities of the province's health system.
The prime minister said the first boy arrived in January performed well.
“The kids are in school, the kids make friends … they have had medical dates with the doctors and they tell us they are in good health when respecting their confidentiality.”
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
