Looking forward to spring progress

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/03/2022 (448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I was pleased to head back into the fourth session of the 42nd Legislature on March 1 for the start of the 2022 spring session. I am honoured and eager to participate in this government’s unveiling of our new path forward with Premier Heather Stefanson and I am looking forward to representing Manitoba’s seniors in my new role as the minister of seniors and long-term care. This department is particularly of interest to me, as Assiniboia has such a large representation of seniors who have contributed so much to their communities.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon and I, together with our colleague Sarah Guillemard, minister for mental health and community wellness, will work collaboratively on our mandate to improve the quality of life for all Manitobans. As minister for seniors and long-term sare, I have a very focused agenda to implement all recommendations of the Stevenson Report.

“These changes will help strengthen the care provided in all Manitoba personal care homes and will make a real difference for families, staff and residents in long term care,” Premier Stefanson said in a news release.

(To read the Stevenson Report and view the progress update, please visit our website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/maples_review.html)

Our new path forward includes expanded eligibility to our child-care subsidy program. This program was developed to ensure quality of care and balanced affordability of child-care fees. Parent fees will be reduced by 30 per cent on average. This change ensures Manitoba is on track to achieve a joint commitment of the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement to reduce out-of-pocket parent fees by 50 per cent by the end of 2022.

With the increases in eligibility, it is estimated that 12,000 additional children will receive support to access regulated child care, in particular low and middle-income families.

• • •

As this difficult winter slowly winds down into spring, we are all painfully aware of this season’s challenges. As hardy as we Winnipeggers are, this winter’s colder-than-usual temperatures and record amounts of snowfall have us all worried about melting snow and the possibility of spring flooding. Our waterways, despite these colder temperatures, have become slushy and we should be extra cautious when out on the ice. Be safe and ensure your children and grandchildren play safe.

Any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to my constituency office by email at assiniboiamla@outlook.com or by telephone at 204-615-6044.

Scott Johnston
Assiniboia constituency report

Scott Johnston is the PC MLA for Assiniboia.

   Read full biography