Bill 238 passes, enabling family councils at personal care homes

River Heights

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This article was published 19/07/2023 (1165 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We have recognized that family councils are important to bring together family members of residents in personal care homes (PCHs) with the administration and staff at the homes so that all can work together to improve the level of care and conditions for residents.

On May 31, Bill 238 — The Personal Care Home Accountability Act — received Royal assent. This bill amends various acts pertaining to PCHs, and will enable the formation of family councils at PCHs and facilitate their work. But it still needs to be proclaimed in to law, which requires urgency from the provincial government.

The bill originated in a dialogue between Rhonda Nichol, myself, and family members of residents at Oakview PCH. Significant concerns had arisen and it became clear that a bill to enable and facilitate the work of family councils would be useful in resolving these concerns. Similar concerns had been raised previously by others with family in various other personal care homes in Manitoba, so it was very clear that something needed to be done.

With the help of our caucus staff, particularly Justin Tsang, and legal counsel, a bill was drafted. On April 17, I introduced the bill and it was brought forward for first reading, and seconded by Cindy Lamoureux, MLA for Tyndall Park, who has long been advocating for improvements for seniors’ care.

Following discussion at second reading on May 9, it went to committee on May 25. At the committee, Nichol, a retired nurse and advocate, spoke of the importance of Bill 238 to protect and provide advocacy resources for our vulnerable seniors. Sisters Deneen Allarie and Sheryl King spoke of the experience of their parents at Oakview PCH, in particular of the neglect and mistreatment they saw. Trish Rawsthorne, a long-time advocate for seniors’ rights, described the benefits of family councils in providing supports to families and residents, and enabling families and staff to better work together to solve problems. Diane Rasmussen, with ten years experience caring for a family member resident at Oakview emphasized, “This legislation is so very important!”

Following some friendly amendments from the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, Bill 238 passed third reading on May 30 and received Royal assent the next day. It will come into force when the bill is “proclaimed” by the government. To help this happen as soon as possible I ask those who read this to send an email to the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, minseniors@manitoba.ca and the Premier, premier@manitoba.ca, urging them to proclaim the bill quickly, before the general election on Oct. 3. If you have further questions, I can be reached at jon.gerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca