About the Department

The Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care department is led by the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in Manitoba's long-term care system. It showed that many seniors living in personal care homes were not receiving the care they deserve. The government hired an external consultant to learn more. The process was led by Dr. Lynn Stevenson. She was asked to review the worst outbreak in the province. It occurred at the Maples Long Term Care Home between Oct. 20, 2020 and Jan. 12, 2021. In total, 73 staff and 157 residents tested positive for COVID and 54 residents died.

The Stevenson Review made 17 recommendations for improvements. And the Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care department is committed to implementing all of them.

The improvements cover several areas such as:

  • gaps in outbreak planning
  • gaps in practical aspects of implementing outbreak plans
  • ensuring care priorities for residents are clear during an outbreak
  • ensuring that long-term care is seen as an integral part of the health care system
  • ensuring there are enough funds to support staff and services needed for residents with complex needs
  • streamlining licensing for personal care homes
  • ensuring licensing standards apply to complex and changing needs of residents

It is important that the department keeps Manitobans up-to-date on progress. To that end, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care will provide stewardship and support. And, it will work with leaders in the health care system to ensure improvements are made.

In addition, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care will consult with seniors and others involved in senior care. We will get feedback for a renewed strategy for senior care. A strategy that responds to idea that Manitobans should be able to stay safe in their own homes and communities. Manitoba has a growing population of seniors. Best practices in supporting older people as they age is changing. It's now easier to age in place, at home and in the community. Over the coming months we will ask seniors what they think. This feedback will help inform a new Seniors Strategy and action plan. It will be a broad-based approach that considers policies and programs. Also, we will work with seniors, communities, and agencies to help with the strategy and help create priorities.