Hon. Scott Johnson
Minister's Message
Dear Friends,
It has now been just over one year since I was sworn in as the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. I remained honoured that Premier Stefanson selected me for this role – the first of its kind in Manitoba. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as minister, learning and addressing the needs of Manitoba seniors.
I have made it an utmost priority to initiate, develop, and implement a Seniors Strategy which will deliver concrete results and change for Manitoba’s seniors. With the help of my incredible colleagues in government, I am honoured to say that we officially launched the Seniors Strategy on February 22 at an event at the Manitoba Legislature.
Manitoba, A Great Place to Age: Provincial Seniors Strategy, is a guide to follow as our government addresses the challenges faced by some older adults, their families and caregivers, to support all Manitobans in their aging journeys, and to value the significant contributions older adults have made and continue to make in our province.
The seniors strategy framework categorizes numerous action-oriented initiatives across seven strategic focus areas:
safe, inclusive, accessible communities;
navigation;
high-quality services;
financial security;
reducing ageism and ableism;
Indigenous engagement and co-design; and
collaboration and accountability.
With the release of the strategy, I was pleased to announce the first of many initiatives that will support more Manitobans at home and in the community to live fulfilling and empowered lives:
Expanding the Self and Family Managed Care (SFMC) program, with a $12.6 million increase in funding, which offers the flexibility and autonomy to directly arrange the home care services that support 1,200 seniors in maintaining their independence in the community.
Expanding palliative care services with a $1.3 million in Southern Health-Santé Sud, that will enhance access to palliative care approach to care for people affected by life-limiting illness at home.
Supporting the Rainbow Resource Centre’s Over the Rainbow (OTR) program with $300,000 over three years as they aim to reduce social isolation among 2SLGBTQ+ seniors.
Accelerating Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s ability to modify, renovate or rehabilitate existing housing for older Manitobans with an investment of $450,000 which will help seniors stay in their homes longer.
Further initiatives in line with the seven strategic focus areas will be announced within the coming weeks. Stay tuned for some more good news.
This new seniors strategy maps out a plan to support older Manitobans by filling gaps in services, making it easier to navigate services and supports, finding affordable options, supporting unpaid caregivers, and reducing ageism and ableism.
Scott Johnston is the Minister of Seniors and Long Term Care.
