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Age Friendly Manitoba

Manitoba Council on Aging

Identifying the needs of Seniors

The Manitoba Council on Aging, established in 1980, is an advisory body to the Minister responsible for Seniors. The Council ensures that a senior's perspective is reflected in government programs and policies that relate to seniors.

The overall responsibilities of the Council include:

  • identify areas of opportunity for Government in adapting programs, policies and services to accommodate the age structures of Manitoba's population
  • increase public awareness and understanding of the aging process and its implications for all age groups in Manitoba;
  • review and provide recommendations on projects, programs, proposals, and legislation to better reflect seniors’ changing needs, issues and concerns as referred by the Minister; and
  • provide an opportunity for dialogue through appropriate meetings with relevant organizations, groups and individuals to fulfil its mandate.

The Council is composed of up to fifteen members, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson, appointed by the Minister responsible for Seniors for a two-year term. Members are drawn from a cross-section of geographic, ethnic and community-service backgrounds in Manitoba.

The Council meets approximately four times annually or as requested by the Minister. Committees are formed in response to emerging issues or concerns that affect seniors.

Projects

In 1996, the Manitoba Council on Aging announced a new initiative called the Recognition Awards Its intent is to honour organizations, businesses, and individuals whose efforts have benefited Manitoba seniors. It also recognizes services and initiatives that reflect a positive attitude toward older Manitobans.

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Publications

The Council tries to meet seniors’ needs by providing information in a variety of formats. The Manitoba Senior Citizens’ Handbook, first produced by the Council in 1981, provides information on programs, resources and services for older Manitobans. This valuable resource is used extensively by seniors, their families, and by service providers and professionals who work with Manitoba seniors. In 1998, the Council produced the seventh edition of the Handbook in a new format and with a new name - The Manitoba Seniors’ Guide.

The Council developed a series of fact sheets for seniors on a select list of topics including:

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