In October 2016, representatives from the Canadian Snowbird Association met with senior health officials at the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living to discuss rescinding the requirement for Manitoba residents to apply for a term certificate if they were leaving the province for more than three months.
In past discussions with previous governments in Manitoba, it was indicated that Manitobans who wish to be away for more than three months were required to inform the government of their expected dates of departure and return. Upon this notification they would receive a term certificate confirming coverage from Manitoba Health. It should be noted that no other jurisdiction in Canada requires that temporarily absent residents apply for a term certificate prior to their departure of more than three months.
The CSA is pleased to announce that the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has now clarified their position on the term certificate, indicating to the CSA in writing that it is only a recommendation and not a requirement for Manitoba travellers.
In an effort to be responsive to the concerns raised by the CSA, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has amended the Request for Temporary Out-of-Province Benefits form to permit residents to indicate whether or not they wish to receive a term certificate. In addition, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has taken steps to update its website and internal processes to clarify its messaging with respect to out-of-country benefits.
In 2013, the CSA worked closely with the Government of Manitoba to increase the length of time residents of Manitoba may temporarily reside outside of their home province from six to seven months in a 12-month period. This clarification from the Department of Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living will allow Manitoba snowbirds to travel freely outside of their home province for up to seven months* without having to first notify the Manitoba government of their travel plans.
If you have any questions or comments related to this, or any other matter, please contact the CSA office toll-free at 1-800-265-3200 or email us at csastaff@snowbirds.org.
Sincerely,
The Canadian Snowbird Association
The Voice of Travelling Canadians
* Please note that Canadian citizens are still only permitted to be physically present in the United States for six months in a 12-month period.
