Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson was joined by MLA Frank Whitehead at Pineview Manor in The Pas today to announce a 15-suite expansion and renovation to the facility, which will create new housing for seniors in the region. Pineview Manor resident Linda Pauls is also pictured.

February 12, 2014

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW SENIORS' HOUSING IN THE PAS

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Safe, Affordable Homes Help Seniors Live Independently: Minister Bjornson

More seniors will soon call Pineview Manor home, as the province invests in building a 15-suite expansion, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
“Good quality housing helps seniors continue to live independently in their own communities where they have the support of family and friends,” said Bjornson.  “This expansion will give more seniors access to safe, affordable housing.”
Pineview Manor is a 30-suite housing facility with 21 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom suites.  The new wing will include eight one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom suites.  Once the new wing is completed, the existing property will be fully renovated including:

• new drywall and doors as required, window and bathroom renovations, new accessible kitchens, kitchen cabinet replacements, flooring, paint, heat recovery ventilation installations, mechanical and electrical upgrades and new finishes and millwork; and
• new stucco, painting, landscaping, grading and lighting for the exterior of the building.

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with occupancy to follow next summer.  A tender for construction is expected to be released later this month.
“I was happy to hear about plans to expand and renovate Pineview Manor so that more people will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to live independently in the community,” said Pineview Manor resident Linda Paul.
The expansion of Pineview Manor is part of the Manitoba government’s pledge to commit funding for 1,500 affordable housing units by March 31 of this year.  As of January 31, the province had committed funding for 1,443 new affordable housing units.
In 2004, the province announced that aging in place would be adopted as a principle in the planning of all provincial government housing and long-term care initiatives.  Aging in place means that people should not have to leave their homes to get the support services they need to cope with changing health and life-management needs.

“The Age-Friendly Manitoba initiative reflects this government’s commitment to creating housing that supports independence and a high quality of life for seniors,” said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, speaking at an event at Pineview Manor today.  “Seniors value ties to their families and communities and want to be active in community life as participants and volunteers.”

Over the next three years, the Manitoba government will invest $100 million annually to restore and redevelop housing units in its portfolio with an additional $34 million dedicated annually to repair existing stock and provide quality home environments for tenants, said Minister Bjornson.  These investments to build more affordable housing are in addition to increased benefits for employment income assistance recipients and other low-income Manitobans announced in Budget 2013 through an annual increase of $6.3 million in RentAid shelter benefits.  For more information go to www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

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May 2, 2013

LEGISLATION WOULD STRENGTHEN CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT TO PROTECT MANITOBA FAMILIES: RONDEAU

The province is taking steps to protect Manitoba families by introducing legislation that would give the Consumer Protection Office greater authority to take action against businesses that break the rules, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
“We’re strengthening the law to ensure our Consumer Protection Office can continue to be a valuable resource for hard-working Manitoba families and ensure they are protected from unfair business practices,” said Rondeau.  “While the majority of businesses operate within the law, these new amendments will give us greater authority to take action against those businesses that may try to take advantage of Manitobans.”
The changes to the act would give the Consumer Protection Office: 

• the authority to impose higher administrative penalties;
• greater access to records or information;
• the authority to move forward with an inspection of businesses without needing a consumer complaint;
• the authority to issue orders to businesses to ensure greater compliance with the act; and
• the authority to issue orders to businesses to recover costs.

The bill also proposes new provisions that would allow the Consumer Protection Office to ask the courts to order compliance when a person or business does not comply with an order issued by the director or, in very serious circumstances, issue an injunction.
“We’ve made great strides to ensure Manitoba consumers are protected and treated fairly, while ensuring that businesses are accountable,” said Rondeau.  “These changes complement other protections we’ve recently put in place, such as clear rules for cellphone contracts, payday loans and motor vehicle repairs.”
Additional changes would allow for a distinction between individuals and corporations for administrative penalties.  The maximum administration penalty for an individual would remain at $5,000 but the maximum penalty for a corporation would increase to $20,000 from $5,000.  

In addition to tabling this legislation, the minister announced that his department will be reviewing high-interest loan rules including a review of what is happening in other provinces to determine if there is more that can be done to protect Manitoba consumers.
The Consumer Protection Office receives, mediates and investigates consumer-related complaints.  Its duties include:

• licensing and regulating payday lenders,
• licensing companies and individuals that direct sell, and
• licensing collection agents.

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October 30, 2012

PROVINCE PRESENTS MANITOBA COUNCIL ON AGING RECOGNITION AWARDS

Eight dedicated Manitobans and a not-for-profit enterprise received Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards today from Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau and Jean-Yves Rochon, chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging. 
The awards recognize the outstanding contribution each award winner has made within their communities.
“A community is only as strong and vibrant as the individuals who contribute to it, and today we honour a generous, committed group of volunteers who have given tirelessly of themselves to improve the quality of life for seniors and all Manitobans,” said Rondeau.  “I am delighted to present these individuals with a Council on Aging Recognition Award.”
“This is truly a celebration as we recognize and honour seniors and the invaluable resource that they are to our society and communities throughout Manitoba,” said Rochon.
The 2012 individual award recipients are:

• Earl Clayton, Gladstone;
• Phyllis and Nate Dana, Winnipeg;
• Robert Forbes, Winnipeg;
• Candace Maxymowich, Vita;
• Orville Towns, Killarney;
• John Quiring, Winnipeg;
• Bruce Wagg, Winnipeg; and
• The House of Economy, Selkirk.

In addition to the recognition award winners, honourable mention certificates were presented to the following individuals, programs and groups:

• Susan Bomak, MacGregor;
• Alice Brennan, Winnipeg;
• Peter Hamm, Portage la Prairie;
• Sylvia Jewar, Miniota; 
• Lena Kaminsky, Winnipeg;
• Ema Kehler, Winnipeg;
• Joe and Lois Mallet, Winnipeg;
• Christine Schroeder, Winnipeg;
• Joy McCharles, Winnipeg;
• Ernie Oliver, Winnipeg;
• Pat Porth, Seven Sisters Falls;
• Caroline Sanoffsky, Wabowden;
• Sid Slonim, Winnipeg;
• Dorothy Wilk, Winnipeg;
• Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Winnipeg;
• Grade 7 Class, St. Ignatius School, Winnipeg; and
• Pinawa Age-Friendly Committee, Pinawa.

Rondeau also presented the 2012 Murray Smith Award, which honours the late Murray Smith, a prominent educator, volunteer and seniors advocate, and former chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.  This year’s recipient is Wilfred Hudson from Dauphin.  Hudson has been a leader in organizing and carrying on the work of many senior-serving organizations including the Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre and the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres.  He is a firm believer in the benefits of intergenerational work in serving the needs of seniors in his community.
The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards were established in 1996 to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts on behalf of seniors and to pay tribute to the seniors who continue to contribute to their communities.  The awards demonstrate the province’s interest in creating age-friendly environments for all, Rondeau said.
More information on the Recognition Awards is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/shas/manitobacouncil/recognitionawards.
For more information on seniors and healthy aging, visit www.gov.mb.ca/shas/index.html.

Seniors Housing in Brandon

January 20, 2012

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND MANITOBA CELEBRATE 34 NEW AFFORDABLE CO-OP HOUSING UNITS FOR SENIORS IN BRANDON

BRANDON, MANITOBA– The Governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced $2.03 million in joint funding for a new affordable co-op housing development. The 34 units will enhance housing quality and accessibility for seniors in Brandon. Celebrations took place at a groundbreaking ceremony.
The announcement was made by Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Drew Caldwell, MLA for Brandon East, on behalf of Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba Minister of Housing and Community Development.
“Our Government is dedicated to assisting those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this housing project in Brandon,” said MP Tweed. “The new units are safe and affordable, and help to enhance the lives of seniors who call them home.”
“This is a wonderful investment to announce during the UN International Year of the Co‑operative,” said Caldwell. “Members of housing co-operatives can enjoy the freedom of their individual housing unit while benefiting from the social support of being part of a co-op community.Our government continues to invest in a range of housing and support options that allow older Manitobans to age with independence and dignity.”
The building, to be located at 620 McDiarmid Drive in Brandon, will be four storeys high and consist of 14 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom units. The Housing Co-Op, developed with the Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-operative Ltd., will also be receiving rent supplement assistance from the province to allow six of the units to be rented on a rent geared to income basis. Total project cost is estimated at more than $5.8 million. Construction is expected to begin within a month. Recently, Manitoba Housing and Community Development issued a $10 million province-wide request for proposals for construction of 150 new independent and supported-living seniors housing units. The Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co‑operative Ltd. initiative is the first of the Manitoba projects to be announced.

The project received $2.03 million in funding through the amended Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Agreement. Under the Agreement, the federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to an overall investment of $176 million for affordable housing throughout Manitoba.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 615,000 households living in existing social housing. In Manitoba, this represents some 41,250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks! which was introduced in 2009, the Province of Manitoba, with the financial assistance of the Government of Canada continues to make significant investments in the development of social and affordable housing. The Province promised the delivery of 1,500 affordable housing units across the province and has already committed to the development of over 900 units. HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction strategy by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans.  More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/.

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Congratulations to Winners of Council of Aging Awards

November 22, 2011

MANITOBA COUNCIL ON AGING RECOGNITION AWARDS CELEBRATE INDIVIDUAL, GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITIES: RONDEAU

Five Manitobans and two intergenerational programs were presented with Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards today by Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau, in acknowledgement of their extraordinary dedication and commitment to their communities.
“These individuals and groups have given their time, skills, creativity and experience to help build stronger, safer and healthier communities for seniors and for all Manitobans,” said Rondeau.  “It is an honour to recognize them for their generous, selfless contributions.” 
“The awards were created to showcase the contributions of older Manitobans, but they have evolved to be more than that,” said Jean-Yves Rochon, chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.  “They are now truly age-friendly awards, as they recognize people of all ages who are positively contributing to the lives of older adults.” 
The 2011 individual award recipients are:

• Théodore (Ted) Dupuis of Winnipeg, a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, past president of Le Club Éclipse and an active participant in the Residents’ Association at La Place Des Meurons;
• Pauline Miller of Belair, a church and community leader, and long-time volunteer with the Helping East Lake People organization and Senior Scene;
• Ralph Vincent of Ste. Anne, a member of the Dawson Trail Cloggers and the Young at Heart Community Club, who has spent a good part of his life dancing for seniors and providing opportunities for seniors to dance;
• Lynn Crawford of Winnipeg, who has dedicated herself to improving the lives of seniors by implementing programs such as the Resident Assistance Program, a resident-to-resident volunteer program that helps seniors to deal with addiction, mental-health and elder-abuse issues; and
• Poh-Lin Lim, a clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics at the Victoria General Hospital and a recognized authority in the care of the elderly.  

In addition to the individual awards, the intergenerational recognition awards were presented to West St. Paul School and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
The staff and students of West St. Paul School were recognized for many years of support given to the Middlechurch Home including a fall cleanup of the Middlechurch grounds, a grandparent visiting program, decorating and carolling during the holiday season, and raising more than $1,400 for a Santa for Seniors Fund, which provides gifts for Middlechurch residents who otherwise wouldn’t receive gifts or greetings.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival was recognized for its Guest for a Day program, which invites seniors to come to the festival free of charge.  Transportation, lunch and dinner are provided to guests as a way of giving back to the community and helping to bring all ages together.
Rondeau also presented the 2011 Murray Smith Award, which honours the late prominent educator, volunteer and seniors advocate, and former chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.
This year’s recipient was John Neabel of Minnedosa.  Neabel has volunteered extensively in the Minnedosa community, serving as president of the Minnedosa Rotary Club, chair of the Fitness Centre Board, a developer of the Minnedosa Fitness Trail, member of the Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce and volunteer with the Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line.
In addition to the awards, honourable mention certificates were presented to the following individuals and programs:

•     Doug Buckingham, Winnipeg;
•     Julienne Godard, Richer;
•     Keith Laing, Winnipeg;
•     Dr. Douglas MacEwan, Winnipeg; 
•     Marguerite Ruddell, Portage la Prairie;
•     The Aboriginal Seniors’ Resource Centre,  Winnipeg;
•     The Nutrition on the Go volunteers, Youville Centre, Winnipeg;
•     Christine Schroeder, Winnipeg; and
•     Juliette Rowan, Richer.

The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards were established in 1996 to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts on behalf of seniors and to pay tribute to the seniors who continue to contribute to their communities.  The minister noted these awards foster respect and social inclusion, key aspects of an age-friendly community.
More information on age-friendly communities is available at http://www.agefriendlymanitoba.ca/.

CAREGIVER RECOGNITION ACT WOULD RECOGNIZE CAREGIVERS' CONTRIBUTION TO FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES: RONDEAU

May 26, 2011
Legislation introduced today would establish a legislative framework to increase awareness and recognition of Manitoba’s informal or family caregivers, and acknowledge their valuable contribution to society, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau has announced.

“With our aging population and increased longevity, a growing number of family members are providing voluntary care for their loved ones so they may remain in their community as long as possible,” said Rondeau.  “These caregivers provide a valuable service to their families and to their communities, and in many cases, it comes at a physical, emotional and sometimes financial cost to individuals and families.  Our legislation recognizes both the value of their contribution and the need to work with caregivers to provide a network of supports.”
Key provisions of the Caregiver Recognition Act (CRA) would include:

• proclaiming the first Tuesday of April in each year as Caregiver Recognition Day;
• creating general principles relating to caregivers, outlining how caregivers should be treated and considered when interacting with the public, health staff and in the workplace;
• instituting a progress report every two years, which would evaluate caregiver needs and supports;
• establishing a Caregiver Advisory Committee to provide the minister with information, advice and recommendations; and
• starting consultations with the minister and caregivers, organizations that provide care, appropriate government departments, the advisory committee and others.

According to the General Social Survey (2007), about one-fifth of Manitobans aged 45 and over reported providing assistance to a senior experiencing physical or other limitations due to a long-term health condition.
“The Caregiver Recognition Act is going to be an important step in the process of supporting caregivers, so they may have opportunities to enjoy optimum health and well-being,” said Rondeau.  “We will also conduct consultations with all groups of caregivers including those who care for disabled adult children and those within immigrant and refugee families.  This consultation will help guide the development of a broader caregiver framework for caregiver recognition and caregiver supports.”
Rondeau noted the government’s recent budget included a 25 per cent increase to the maximum annual Primary Caregiver Tax Credit, to $1,275 from $1,020 per care recipient.

The province would also establish a website for caregivers, which would provide centralized navigation to community and government resources.  This would include information on support groups, financial benefits and human-resource policies.
The proposed legislation is part of the province’s Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative (AFMI), launched in 2008, that encourages policies, services and structures to support seniors in leading active, socially engaged and independent lives.  AFMI continues to gain momentum throughout the province, with 80 per cent of Manitoba’s population living in communities that have committed to being age-friendly, Rondeau said.

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Government moves to improve quality of life for seniors

May 3, 2010
INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER MANITOBANS
Government Supports Programs to Help Make Manitoba Most Age-friendly Province: Rondeau

Five programs have received $170,000 to support work with Manitoba seniors, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced today at the Centre on Aging’s annual Spring Research Symposium.

“These initiatives are all collaborations with other organizations intended to improve seniors’ quality of life throughout Manitoba,” said Rondeau. “By working together and building on existing resources, we are speeding up our progress in becoming the most age-friendly province in Canada.”

Three Age-Friendly Manitoba projects are aimed at strengthening connections between seniors and their communities, said the minister. Organizations that are already active in communities have received funding to develop tools, strengthen connections and expand programs that will make many Manitoba communities more age-friendly. The funding includes:

· $40,000 received by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to reach out to the rural Manitoba business community to pilot and test innovative opportunities for older workers;

· $25,000 to help Creative Retirement further develop an intergenerational program called Seniors and Students Learning Together;

· $40,000 being utilized by the Manitoba Association of Multipurpose Seniors Centres to work with seniors centres to engage them in age-friendly initiatives and foster links between them and the age‑friendly committees in their communities.
Rondeau also announced that funding has been provided to Age and Opportunity to secure an additional suite in the Safe Suite Program, part of the Provincial Elder Abuse Strategy. This program provides temporary housing for older adults who are experiencing abuse. They receive counselling services, furnished accommodations for up to 60 days, Victoria Lifeline service and practical assistance with arranging financial, legal, housing and support services. Manitoba provides $25,000 in annual support for this program, which now includes three full-time suites and one part-time suite in Winnipeg. The need for the program outside of Winnipeg is currently being assessed.

Rondeau also received the Profile of Manitoba Seniors 2010 from Dr. Janice Ristock, associate vice‑president (research) at the University of Manitoba. Funded at a cost of $40,000 by Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors, the University of Manitoba compiled extensive data regarding the lives of Manitoba seniors into one comprehensive document. The result of this collaboration is a profile that includes a wide variety of statistical information for use by those working with older Manitobans.

The latest edition of The Manitoba Seniors Guide was also released at the symposium. The guide is a resource for older Manitobans to learn what services are available and how to access them.
“These five projects will help enable Manitoba’s seniors to lead more active, socially engaging and independent lives which reduces the risk of loneliness and depression and creates a better quality of life,” said Rondeau. “Manitoba is proud to be a leader in programs and supports for older Manitobans. This is the best way that we can thank them for their contributions to our fine quality of life in this province.”

The Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative is improving the health, independence and well-being of older Manitobans across the province, the minister said. Along with addressing physical aspects such as design and maintenance of sidewalks, transportation and housing, Age-Friendly Manitoba supports needs such as social participation, community support and health services, civic participation and employment.
Seniors are one of the fastest-growing age groups in Canada with approximately 14 per cent of the population over 65. With 166,500 seniors, Manitoba has one of the highest per-capita populations in the country.

Refugees going home to Congo
Left alone in misery after daughter dies
By: Carol Sanders

Updated: October 9 at 02:50 AM CDT

AN elderly refugee couple cast adrift when their caregiver daughter died this summer will have their wish granted.

Thanks to the local Congolese community, as well as the kindness of strangers, Zafali Evele and Abedi Kipala, both in their 90s, are going back to the land of their birth to spend their final days.

"I'm telling you they are very, very, very excited," said Deo Namwira, president of the Congolese Community of Manitoba. "They didn't believe it at first -- they needed to hear it from independent and neutral translators."

The Congolese community and volunteers like Brenna Croker of Charleswood -- who canvassed door-to-door after reading their strange, sad story in the Free Press -- collected more than $5,000 for the long journey back to couple's Congo village.

Namwira said the Democratic Republic of Congo's embassy in Ottawa has offered to provide free travel documents for the seniors, who fled civil war six years ago.

On Wednesday night, Namwira, Croker and others who've taken the couple's plight to heart met to iron out the travel details.

The frail, culture-shocked couple had been living in misery in their late daughter's rank, run-down suite on Langside Street since her funeral in June. Ida Kipala had taken care of her parents, walking to their apartment three times a day to prepare their traditional meals, but died suddenly at the age of 66. Since then, the couple refused to return to their apartment, where they couldn't communicate with anyone or stomach the food that home-care workers provided. They struggled to get up the steep, narrow stairs at their daughter's place to go to the bathroom or to their bedrooms on the second floor. They didn't know how to use the stove and couldn't speak English or French to shop or do their own banking.

"They had gone for two days without food," said Balex Kabamba, who was alerted to the couple's plight by another member of the community. "(Abedi) fell twice. There was no heating and they were wearing their parkas in the house. When I heard that, I was very upset."

Kabamba, a nurse, was also worried about the couple being isolated, so he and his wife and three teenage kids invited them to stay at their home until it's time for them to return to Congo.

"I am nobody. I don't know them. I'm just putting myself in their place -- they could be my parents," he said. The Kabambas made room in their bungalow on the main floor for their visiting "grandma and grandpa."

"They were very, very happy," said Kabamba, who is trying to get dentures for the elderly couple, who struggle without teeth.

The Congolese community and donors are planning a farewell for the elderly couple "to send them in an honourable way," said Namwira.

"We'd like to end on a very positive note," even though their experience in Winnipeg wasn't a positive one, said Namwira.

The couple, their daughter, Ida, Ida's mentally challenged daughter and two grandsons came to Canada in the last year as refugees from Congo. They'd spent the previous five years in a Burundi refugee camp.

When one of the grandchildren was diagnosed with diabetes at the camp, the family was brought to Canada on compassionate grounds. When Ida died, her grandchildren were placed in foster care. Their developmentally delayed 40-year-old mother is expected to go to a Winnipeg care home, said Namwira. He said their circumstances are extremely unusual.

"It was not a mistake bringing them here," said Namwira. "The intention was good."

Close to 50 relatives will welcome Evele and Kipala in Congo and their home village Kindu when they return later this month, said Namwira.

Knowing that they're going home to die has given the sad, hopeless seniors new life, he said. "Hope can give you strength and keep you going."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca