Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says the past year flew by quickly as his job as Health Minister kept him in the news almost daily. Goertzen brought about major changes in the health care system, especially in Winnipeg, as his government tries to rein in spiralling costs.

Goertzen one of the highlights for him was getting legislation approved to protect medical professionals who choose not to participate in medical assistance in dying.

"To protect medical professionals, to ensure that their conscientious rights are protected when it comes to not have to participate in medical assistance in dying. It's federal legislation and it's required to have access across Canada but we wanted to ensure that medical professionals could still feel assured that their rights were being protected."

As for all the changes in the health care system, he says he is reasonably pleased that they are having a positive impact in improving the delivery of care and doing so more efficiently.

"We've seen reductions in the wait times as a result of the changes, particularly in Winnipeg. We're into the middle of flu season now and it's a significant flu season so that'll cause some challenges for the system in the short term. But certainly what we saw in the early part of the change and, I think, what we'll see in the long term, I'm pleased with."

Goertzen says he greatly appreciates all the support from constituents over the past year as he has endured many challenges as Health Minister. He notes the uplifting comments, phone calls and letters often come to him and his family just at the time when they are most needed.