December 15, 2004

The Manitoba government today committed to ensuring vital services at Osborne House will be maintained as the board undergoes a transition and addresses concerns identified in a recent review and internal audit.

A number of members of the Osborne House board today tendered their resignations. This development follows the results of a recent review and internal audit conducted by the province into the operations and management of Osborne House. The review and audit showed evidence of continuing, serious concerns with the management, labour-management relations and programming of the organization. Over the past year, Manitoba Family Services and Housing has been working with Osborne House to address these concerns.

"The department will provide support to the remaining board members to carry on the mandate of Osborne House," said Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick. "To ensure the concerns identified in the review and internal audit are resolved, the department will also pursue a co-management arrangement with Osborne House.

"I can assure all Manitobans that vital services will continue to be provided for those who require assistance at Osborne House."

"The department is pursuing a co-management arrangement to ensure the continued stability of the organization and the much-needed services it provides," said Nancy Allan, minister responsible for the status of women, speaking today on behalf of Melnick.

Osborne House is the largest of 10 shelters in Manitoba funded by the Family Violence Prevention Program and has been serving Manitobans since 1979. The organization will receive approximately $1.2 million in total provincial support this fiscal year and last year was provided with $1.1 million in funding. It serves about 3,000 women and children annually through either shelter or crisis support.

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