(AGENPARL) – Rome, 2 September 2022 – Informed by the quality input received from thousands of Manitobans through EngageMB’s Building a Plan with Older Manitobans public consultation survey, the Manitoba government is tailoring the initial phase of its new seniors strategy to meet the specific needs of Manitoba seniors and those who support them and will continue consultations to develop future phases of the strategy, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston announced today.

“One of our government’s top priorities is establishing a more comprehensive, responsive system of programs and policies that provides the supports and services seniors need,” said Johnston. “Our government supports the healthy aging of Manitoba seniors and the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care is working to ensure seniors can safely live independently in their homes, have active lifestyles and the ability to stay connected to their families and communities as long as possible.”

Based on survey responses, the department will explore key findings identified by Manitobans including:

• access to physical and social activities;
• challenges with the health-care system;
• supports for caregivers;
• physical accessibility of public spaces;
• communication and navigating public services;
• support for seniors with specific needs; and
• affordable and accessible housing options.

As the next phase of the seniors strategy is developed, Manitobans are invited to participate in further consultations including additional surveys and public engagement sessions, noted the minister. To ensure the unique needs of Indigenous seniors are addressed, Indigenous organizations will be consulted directly.

A new series of public surveys will launch over the next three months to seek more detailed input from seniors and their caregivers on priority areas including:

• public safety and elder abuse;
• ageism and discrimination;
• social inclusion;
• financial security;
• housing;
• transportation and mobility;
• physical environments and spaces;
• wellness and prevention;
• medications and supports;
• service awareness, navigation and communication;
• care planning;
• health-care services;
• workforce;
• service quality and accountability; and
• caregiver supports.

For those who prefer to provide input in an in-person setting, community engagement networks will be inviting community members to provide input at various consultation events across Manitoba.

“My colleagues and I will be personally meeting with seniors and their caregivers over the coming months to hear how our government can enhance the supports and services needed,” said Johnston. “Our government is determined to make Manitoba an ideal place for healthy aging in Canada and around the world, and these in-depth consultations will provide critical insight as we build the seniors strategy.”

The Manitoba government is analyzing successful seniors models both nationally and internationally, which will also help inform the new strategy that is expected to be delivered to Manitobans in early 2023, the minister noted.

The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care was established in January 2022 with a mandate to implement all recommendations in the Stevenson Review. Developing a new seniors strategy is one of the department’s initiatives to represent Manitoba’s seniors and advocate for seniors issues, the minister noted.