Liberals chip in $1.57 million for Manitoba seniors

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This article was published 10/02/2025 (208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A federal cabinet minister popped by Winnipeg Monday to hand out $1.57 million to programs that help keep seniors in their homes longer.

One of the recipients, the Manitoba Métis Federation, plans to expand its grocery delivery and wellness check program with the $800,000 it was given.

“First Nations communities have nursing stations, the City of Winnipeg has health hubs, our small villages don’t have that,” said Frances Chartrand, a minister with the federation.

Since August, the mobile clinics have gone to about half of the 140 Métis communities in Manitoba. The clinics provide education about diseases such as diabetes, along with information about healthy meals and supports, including meal and grocery delivery.

Chartrand said the clinics deliver nutritious meals and are equipped to check certain health issues, including blood sugar and cholesterol. Nurses provide foot care for diabetics.

Seniors Minister Joanne Thompson gave the North Point Douglas Seniors Association in Winnipeg will $470,417 for a project that offers seniors friendly visits, light housekeeping and home maintenance.

We try to provide… food, donations, make sure people in their homes aren’t sick or need any stuff,” said Sandy Dzedzora, the program manager. “We visit and try to complement their very low salaries. They need money, and they need food.”

Dzedzora, who said her organization has supplied 50 food baskets to one apartment complex in the neighbourhood, said they also connect seniors to each other, allowing them the ability to reach out if they need help.

“They’re gelling together like a nice little group,” she said. “Many of our volunteers have taken seriously the issue of loneliness. So they make sure they get the names from us of some that could be encouraged and do what we do.”

Living Independence for Elders in Ashern is receiving up to $300,000 for a project called Giving Back to Our Seniors.

The projects are among more than 80 across Canada to receiving more than $40 million under the Age Well at Home initiative’s in-home support pilot project stream.

“People want to age at home — in health, in safety and in dignity,” Thompson said. “There are organizations across the country that are bringing people together in their community to help seniors age at home. We’re investing in those organizations, in those volunteers, who are making lives better and communities stronger.”

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca