Province renews contract with STARS air ambulance

STARS has renewed its contract with Manitoba to keep providing air ambulance service in the province.

The Manitoba government is renewing its contract with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) to provide emergency patient air transport in the province.

The 10-year contract with the non-profit organization—which operates an Airbus H145 helicopter equipped as a mobile intensive care unit in the province—is valued at around $84 million, according to Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

“This agreement guarantees 365 days a year, 24/7 helicopter emergency services with skilled pilots, paramedics, nurses and physicians who are ready to quite literally drop into any situation, stabilize their patients and get them to the right care,” said Asagwara.

STARS also provides interfacility transports for patients requiring specialty care.

The first STARS mission in Manitoba dates back to 2009, when the provincial government contracted the organization on a temporary basis during the spring flood, according to Dr. John Froh, STARS president and CEO.

In 2012, a permanent base was established in the province. Froh said STARS has since flown thousands of life-saving missions to every corner of the province.

Asagwara said STARS is an “integral component” to strengthening health care across Manitoba, particularly in rural areas.

“For rural Manitobans, the iconic red helicopters have become a symbol of rapid response and of expert care,” said Asagwara.

“They represent hope when the unthinkable happens … STARS is more than just a helicopter in the sky. It is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, a team that answers the call when every single second matters.”

STARS began operations in 1985 as an air ambulance program in Calgary and now has bases across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Since then, STARS has flown more than 63,000 missions across Western Canada, per the organization’s website.

Over 1,200 missions were conducted in Manitoba during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

-With files from CTV’s Jamie Dowsett