Let Senior’s Minister Scott Johnson know what you want
Minister’s Message
As the inaugural Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, I consider myself truly fortunate to have already had so many opportunities to engage with and listen to seniors in meaningful ways. Manitoba Seniors are a priority for our government, which is why Premier Heather Stefanson established this department dedicated to advocating for seniors’ issues and improving the quality of life of all older Manitobans. Announced as a part of Budget 2022 to support that commitment, our government is investing nearly $20 million to develop a new plan for older Manitobans.
I was pleased to announce the launch of an extensive public and stakeholder engagement process to hear from Manitobans which will help guide this plan. Almost 5,000 people have already participated in the online part of the consultations on Manitoba’s public engagement platform, EngageMB, and I encourage older Manitobans, and those who support and work with them to do so as well.
Older Manitobans are among the fastest growing segments of our population. We heard that most Manitobans, given the choice, want to live independently in their own homes and communities, for as long as it is safe to do so.
Your voice will guide new ways to ensure older Manitobans can safely live in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish, to improve access to services and supports, to help Manitoba seniors maintain active and healthy lifestyles. We need your perspectives on how we can make this possible.
April 28.
Sherry Mooney, chair, board of directors, Charleswood 55 Plus Active Living Centre; Obby Khan, MLA for Fort Whyte.
Where to register your ideas
The first public survey is available at https://engagemb.ca/building-a-plan-for-older-manitobans. I hope you will take some time to visit the site and share your thoughts on the experiences and hopes of older Manitobans. Over 10,000 Manitobans over the age of 65 have already signed up for updates, and I look forward to seeing this community grow.
Recognizing that not all seniors have access to online consultations or feel comfortable navigating the EngageMB platform, our government will also enlist the support of up to 50 community-based organizations with pre-established relationships to older Manitobans across the province. As part of the community engagement network, these organizations will host discussions, town halls, and consultations with their community members on an ongoing basis.
After two years of many challenges due to COVID-19, I am looking forward to developing this new plan, to ensure the physical, social and emotional well-being of older Manitobans.
Your participation will help ensure a diverse, inclusive and informed consultation process that is integral to shaping and implementing the plan. Older Manitobans have spent their lives helping to build our great province by creating businesses, raising their families and serving in their communities. Their voices and the voices of their loved ones and caregivers are integral to the plan being developed for older Manitobans.
This consultation process needs you, people you love and support, people you work with and seniors living in every community. Participating in these engagement surveys will bring your voice into this important conversation, as, together, we look ahead to a plan that includes your voice, your ideas, and your commitment to the best life possible for older Manitobans.
Hon. Scott Johnston is the MLA for Assiniboia and the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.