Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew was recently in Churchill, and said that he wants to see the northern town become a medical hub for the north.

Thompson City Councillor Blake Ellis said that he applauds everyone involved for trying to bring more jobs to the north. He said that he thinks the idea of Churchill as a medical hub is a good one, but doesn’t want it to come at the expense of Thompson.

Councillor Ellis said that Thompson is already a regional hub for healthcare, and it is a pillar for groups like Thompson 2020 who are trying to expand the spectrum of services offered in the City.

Read: NDP, Mayor Call For Churchill To Become Medical Hub For The North

In addition to having the third busiest hospital in the province, Councillor Ellis pointed out that Thompson is uniquely situated to be able to provide support as it is connecte by air, land and rail.

He emphasised the point that he's not trying to say it's "us or them", or that turning Churchill to a hub is a bad idea.

Councillor Ellis added that the City will be requesting a meeting with Kinew to discuss how Thompson can be included in his vision for northern health care.