Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard was in Boissevain on Saturday to hear what area residents had to say about health care.

A small group of citizens and municipal leaders were asked what’s working, what isn't and where government dollars should go to improve health care.

Some of the discussion focused the future of ambulance service in Boissevain. The province has indicated Boissevain’s EMS station will be closing.

Gerrard doesn't think that’s a good idea.

"The philosophy that the current government has of closing paramedic stations may be a flawed philosophy. The paramedics are making a contribution within the health centre in the community as well as ambulance response. That role within the community of helping deliver local health care is a vital role."

Boissevain residents also voiced concern and frustration over a lack of communication with government.

Gerrard plans to use information he is gathering to lobby the government to make health care better in Manitoba.

"I'm here as the Liberal health critic to learn and now to advocate for people here in Boissevain to make sure that what is working really well continues; that we continue to have ambulance service here, that we continue to have more local autonomy and control over some of the health care decisions," said Gerrard.

Boissevain-Morton councillor Judy Swanson said it can't hurt to have every party and every form of government listen to their concerns.'

"I believe we have to be vocal," said Swanson, who is also a member of the Southwest Health Care Task Force. "We have to continue to let the powers that be know our thoughts on this process and if they will take forward some of the thoughts expressed here today to the legislature, then that's a bonus."