‘Critically important time’: Federal government helping Manitoba seniors age at home

Canada’s Minister of Seniors Joanne Thompson announces the funding in Winnipeg on Feb. 10, 2025.

The Government of Canada is taking to steps to allow Manitoba’s seniors to grow old with dignity and age at home.

On Monday, Canada’s Minister of Seniors Joanne Thompson announced $1.57 million for three Manitoba pilot projects aimed at bettering the daily lives of low-income and vulnerable seniors.

Thompson said Canada is currently experiencing a “critically important time” when it comes to ensuring seniors have the support they need.

“The privilege of being minister of seniors, I’m fortunate that within this role, I’m able to work to ensure that seniors are able to live dignified lives and have affordability,” she said at a Monday news conference.

According to the government, $470,417 is going to the North Point Douglas Seniors Association’s ‘Seniors Life Quality Project.’ This initiative improves the quality of life of inner-city seniors who live independently through visits, housekeeping and home maintenance.

The Manitoba Métis Federations is getting nearly $800,000 for its ‘Seniors and Elders Empowered through Delivery of Grocery and Wellness Checks’ program, while Living Independence for Elders Inc. in Ashern, Man., is receiving up to $300,000 for its ‘Giving Back to Our Seniors’ project.

The government notes that these organizations make a difference in the lives of seniors by helping with daily tasks like meal preparation, cleaning and transportation.

Thompson added that it’s important to recognize that most seniors want to age in their communities and the place they call home.

“The home, yes, is part of that, but the broader community is equally as important,” she said.

“Your access to health care, your access to transit. Certainly, your access to community or social engagements.”

These projects are among several programs across the country receiving funding through the government’s ‘Age Well at Home’ initiative.