The Manitoba government is marking National Seniors Day and the beginning of Seniors and Elders Month by strengthening the voices of older Manitobans, highlighting progress by Manitoba’s independent seniors’ advocate and continuing investments to help seniors age with dignity and independence.

“Our government is making sure older Manitobans have a stronger voice and the supports they need to live with dignity in the communities they helped build,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We are reopening beds, building new capacity and strengthening supports for seniors, including through the independent seniors’ advocate.”

Shannon Corbett, MLA for Transcona, has been appointed legislative assistant to the minister of health, seniors and long-term care with a focus on seniors, the premier noted, helping ensure the experiences and priorities of older Manitobans are heard in government and caucus.

“Seniors have spent their lives building our communities, caring for their families and making Manitoba a better place to call home. They deserve to know their province will be there for them as they age,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “That means listening to seniors, making sure they have a voice in the decisions that affect them and investing in the care and supports they rely on. We have more work to do and we are committed to doing that work alongside seniors.”

Manitoba’s independent seniors’ advocate has opened an office with a team in place to support its work. The advocate reports to the legislative assembly and has a mandate to examine systemic issues and make recommendations on health care, housing, government programs and other supports that affect older Manitobans.

Since October 2023, the Manitoba government has reopened previously closed beds and is committed to building 380 new beds for seniors, the premier noted. Projects underway or in development include 95 beds in Lac du Bonnet, 59 beds in Arborg, 83 beds at Park Manor Care Home in Transcona and a planned 143-bed personal care home in Bridgwater.

The Manitoba government is also investing more than $20 million in programs that help seniors live safely and independently and maintain their quality of life, including the Safe and Healthy Home for Seniors Program, hearing aid and eyeglass supports, improved food in personal care homes, food security initiatives and community-based seniors services.

The new $182,000 in community-based funding will be administered through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s Support Services to Seniors program and will support:

  • Black Seniors Support Inc. – $53,000 to support the organization’s seniors’ resource finder;
  • Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre – $63,000 to support the organization’s senior centre; and
  • Pembina Active Living – $66,000 to support the organization’s seniors’ resource finder and for expansion of its senior centre.

The Manitoba government will continue working with seniors, families and community organizations throughout Seniors and Elders Month and beyond to strengthen supports, expand care and ensure older Manitobans have a voice in the decisions that affect them, the premier said.