Northern lights shine in social media poll, but there's still time to vote for new Manitoba health card

Manitobans still have a chance to have a say on the design they want for the province's new plastic health card, but those on social media have already picked a favourite. 

Premier Wab Kinew posted on Instagram earlier this month asking Manitobans to vote on their favourite of three designs for the health card by commenting on his Instagram post or answering a poll.

The designs featured a bison, a polar bear and the northern lights.

Results are in, and the northern lights design won "overwhelmingly" on social media, the primer said in an Instagram post Tuesday. 

But Kinew said those who haven't voted still have a chance to pick their favourite design for the new health card in an online survey at EngageMB this week. 

The province is on the verge of tearing up its paper health cards in favour of digital and plastic versions as soon as next year and is asking residents to ensure all the information on their current card is accurate and up to date for a smooth transition to the new card.

Manitoba and Alberta are the last among Canada's provinces and territories to still use paper health cards.

In a news release earlier this year, Kinew said people's health coverage in 2024 "shouldn't rely on a torn, ripped-up health card."