Minister's Message
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, it brings me great pleasure to share the recent developments, which have been incredibly productive for our government's commitment to enhancing the lives of our province’s seniors.
The focus of our efforts has been on ensuring that more Manitoban seniors have access to suitable and accessible housing options within their communities. To achieve this goal, the Manitoba government has allocated $15 million to advance the planning and design stages for new personal care homes. Six new personal care homes will built, with four located in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) in Arborg, Lac du Bonnet, Oakbank, and Stonewall. Additionally, two facilities will be established in Winnipeg, one in the Bridgwater neighborhood and another on Portage Avenue.
These strategic locations were meticulously selected to address the areas with the highest needs, and each of these projects will include approximately 670 beds collectively, although an exact number will be determined as planning and design work progresses. The initiative will be based on the innovative 'physical village model', carefully designed to incorporate social interaction, functionality, and intergenerational contact while maintaining affordability and safety. This concept aligns seamlessly with our overarching seniors strategy, promoting the development of virtual and physical village models, offering progressive supports and services as Manitobans age gracefully.
We understand that not all seniors may require personal care homes, and as such, the Manitoba government is embarking on a pilot program known as Community Supportive Living. This program will initially be implemented in select communities and will create approximately 105 spaces in the first phase, with a total of 288 spaces overall. The pilot program will be launched in Ashern/Eriksdale and Selkirk under the IERHA, Swan River under Prairie Mountain Health, and Emerson-Franklin under Southern Health Sante Sud.
The Community Supportive Living program will operate under a three-tier support system, ensuring that all clients receive personalized care and assistance. The first tier will include 24-7 onsite staff for personal care supports, while the second tier will offer 24-7 nursing supports for clients with more complex health-care needs. Furthermore, all clients will receive a comprehensive service package that includes meals, laundry, light housekeeping, onsite therapy aides, recreational supports, and access to other health-care professionals as needed.
As Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, I had the privilege of attending recent events, celebrating within our senior communities. Events such as the Anavets 238 Awards Ceremony, the St. James - Assiniboia Museum annual Heritage Days, Beacon Hill Lodge's 50th Anniversary, and the Canada Day celebrations at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence. These events have allowed me to witness firsthand the vibrant contributions of seniors to our society. Your wisdom, experiences, and unwavering enthusiasm are what make Manitoba such a remarkable province.
Our government remains steadfast in its dedication to the betterment of your lives and the lives of future generations.
With warm regards.
Hon. Scott Johnston is the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.
