The Northern Health Region in northern Manitoba is in search of a new leader as its CEO, Raj Sewda, is set to step down later this month, as officially announced on January 6. The resignation of Sewda was initially communicated internally on January 2. The statement on January 6 confirmed Sewda’s resignation, which was accepted by the region’s board of directors, without specifying a definite date or reason for his departure.
Sewda expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the region, acknowledging the dedication and teamwork of his colleagues. The board chair, Kelsey Horrocks, thanked Sewda for his service and dedication to the NHR in the official statement.
The appointment of Sewda in March 2023 followed the retirement of Helga Bryant, who had served as CEO of Northern Health and its predecessor, the Nor-Man Regional Health Authority, since 2010. Sewda played a crucial role in managing the region’s response to last summer’s wildfires, overseeing the evacuation of several NHR facilities and the relocation of long-term care residents within Manitoba. Despite the challenges, none of the facilities suffered significant damage, and all residents were safely returned after the fires were contained.
Cam Ritzer is stepping in as the acting CEO of the region, bringing his experience as a former paramedic and council member for the College of Paramedics of Manitoba. Ritzer previously held the position of vice-president of health services, community, and continuing care within the NHR and served as the acting incident commander during the 2025 fires.
Under Sewda’s leadership, the NHR faced challenges such as safety concerns, facility shutdowns, and allegations of racism. Although there were no major service reductions or closures during Sewda’s tenure, Thompson General Hospital, the region’s largest facility, was officially grey-listed by the Manitoba Nurses Union in December due to safety incidents. Additionally, the closure of obstetrics care at Flin Flon General Hospital in 2018 has not been reversed, forcing expectant parents to seek birthing services outside the region.
Instances of alleged racism in treatment have also surfaced within the NHR, including a lawsuit filed in 2024 by a member of Tataskweyak Cree Nation who reported mistreatment at St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas. The region has previously acknowledged issues of anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare and initiated partnerships to address these concerns, but progress has been limited, as reported by the chief executive officer of Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin.
The Northern Health Region operates 14 health centers in the north, including hospitals in Flin Flon, The Pas, and Thompson, collaborating with various provincial and federally operated health centers in the region.