(AGENPARL) - Roma, 28 Luglio 2023 - (AGENPARL) – ven 28 luglio 2023 [Manitoba Media Notice]
July 28, 2023
Manitoba Government Increases Funding for
Transportation Options Network for Seniors
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New Initiatives Will More Effectively Assess,
Address Transportation Challenges: Johnston
The Manitoba government is increasing the annual operating funding provided to Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) as they expand their mandate and implement new initiatives to more effectively assess and address transportation challenges, Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnston announced today.
“A lack of affordable, accessible and reliable transportation options presents a significant barrier for older adults to remain in their homes, especially for those living in rural, remote and northern communities,” said Johnston. “Through education, community development, capacity building and engagement, TONS will be able to more effectively support transportation across the province, which will, in turn, help enhance the quality of life of Manitoba seniors.”
The Manitoba government is providing TONS with an additional $75,000 this year to support the enhanced mandate.
As part of the expanded role, TONS will:
– increase and enhance community engagement and collaboration related to rural transportation;
– develop a provincial handi-van transportation advisory group and regional working group;
– support the development of a community grant framework;
– enhance training and re-training of drivers and co-ordinators of rural handi-van services; and
– develop a web-based rural transportation resource hub.
“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Manitoba Government and for the financial contribution being made to support our work at TONS, as we know that transportation is a pivotal component to ensuring that seniors can age in place or where they live,” said Samantha Rodeck, executive director, TONS. “In the coming months, with the support of our many community partners, we will continue enhancing transportation as a main pillar of age-friendly communities.”
The minister noted the investment in TONS aligns with the provincial seniors strategy’s focus area of creating safe, inclusive and accessible communities.
To read Manitoba, A Great Place to Age: Provincial Seniors Strategy, visit https://gov.mb.ca/seniors/docs/seniors_strategy_2023.pdf.
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For more information:
– Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
– Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.