October 11 , 2023
Important information for seniors

Minister of Seniors, Seamus O’Regan Jr.

Hello,

I’ll take a moment off the top to wish everyone a belated Happy Seniors Day. As I said in my statement, it is our responsibility to make sure that the seniors who built this country and have given so much to it are aging with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusion, and to community.

Leading up to National Seniors Day, I met with the National Pensioners Federation in Ottawa. They kindly invited me to say a few words and participate in a Q&A session with some of their members. We talked about many issues, but first and foremost, everyone is concerned about affordability. We need to increase GIS. We need to raise wages for Personal Support Workers. These are my priorities, because they are your priorities.

As I dive further into this job, I want to thank all the experts who have shared their lived experiences and their advice with me. I recently met with the National Seniors Council to discuss housing, aging at home and increasing seniors’ participation in the workforce. Applications for new council members recently closed, and I look forward to announcing those new members in the New Year.

In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find more information about:

• New Horizons for Seniors Program Pan-Canadian launch
• Canada Revenue Agency “Be Scam Smart” webinar
• Retirement planning with the Government of Canada’s Retirement HubIf you think your friends or colleagues would find it helpful, please forward them this email so they can sign up to receive my updates.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for reading.
Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister for Senior

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Celebrating National Seniors Day 2023

Every year on October 1, Canadians celebrate National Seniors Day, and honour the senior parents, co-workers, neighbours and friends in our lives.

It is our responsibility as Canadians to make sure that the seniors who built this country can age with dignity and security. I am humbled to serve as Minister for Seniors and wish everyone a happy belated National Seniors Day.

For more information on National Seniors Day read my statement (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2023/09/minister-seamus-oregan-jr-celebrates-national-seniors-day.html) and visit the website. (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-seniors-day.html)

New Horizons for Seniors Program – call for concepts for Pan-Canadian projects

On October 4, the 2023-2024 call for concepts opened for national projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Organizations are invited to apply for multi-year funding under the Pan-Canadian stream of the program, to support initiatives that will help increase the social inclusion of Canadian seniors.

This process aims to:

• build the collective capacity of organizations to recognize and address barriers to social inclusion faced by seniors;
• provide access to information, programs, and services for seniors to enhance their social inclusion within their communities;
• support services to seniors as part of action research to better understand effective approaches for increasing the level of social inclusion of seniors in their communities;
• develop innovative approaches to engage and keep senior volunteers to improve their social inclusion in their communities;
• address systemic barriers that contribute to the social isolation of vulnerable seniors.

Eligible organizations can receive from $1 million up to $5 million over four to five years by applying for funding under the 2023–2024 call for concepts.

Applications close November 15, 2023. For details on how to apply, visit the Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Pan-Canadian projects webpage. (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/new-horizons-seniors-pan-canadian.html)

"Be Scam Smart" webinar – October 11, 2023

Anyone can be at risk of scams and fraud, but more and more seniors are being specifically targeted by these attacks. Being aware of the current common scams (https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/common-scams-older-adults-watch-out-for) can help you recognize and avoid them.

Today, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is hosting an interactive "Be Scam Smart" webinar and Q&A to share information and answer your questions on:

• recognizing various CRA-related scams;
• steps you can take to protect yourself from scams;
• what to do if you're a victim of a scam; and
• helpful services and tools.

The event will include a Q&A session, so you can get the answers to your questions on online safety.

If you are not able to attend the live webinar, it will be available online (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/cra-multimedia-library/individuals-video-gallery.html) for viewing in the weeks that follow.

For more information on how to protect yourself from scammers, click here. (https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/how-older-adults-can-protect-themselves-most-common-cyber-security-threats)

Get Cyber Safe is also hosting a free virtual event on October 24, 2023. The Discover Online Safety workshop 2023 (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/discover-online-safety-workshop-2023-get-cyber-safe-mediasmarts-tickets-687451133847?aff=oddtdtcreator) is open to Canadians of all ages and technical knowledge levels, but is particularly geared to adults over the age of 50.

Thinking about your retirement?

Retirement planning can be stressful. With so much information and so many things to consider, it can feel overwhelming.

This is particularly true for seniors using online resources.

The Government of Canada’s Retirement Hub (https://retraite-retirement.service.canada.ca/en/home) is your one-stop shop for retirement planning! To date, it has helped more than 60,000 Canadians find out about public pensions, when to collect them, and tips to consider for their retirement income.

Not sure where to start? Watch this short video (to learn about the Retirement Ready Quiz._(https://retraite-retirement.service.canada.ca/en/quiz) It takes just a few minutes, and you won’t need any special information.

Once you’ve completed the quiz, you’ll get an individualized task list to save and help you prepare for retirement.

Also, Service Canada has launched a new version of the Old Age Security Benefits Estimator (https://estimateursv-oasestimator.service.canada.ca/en) on Canada.ca.

In a few easy steps, users can find out if they are eligible and get an estimate of how much they may be entitled to—based on their personal circumstances—for:

• the Old Age Security pension; (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html)
• the Guaranteed Income Supplement; (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement.html)
• the Allowance; (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement/allowance.html) and
• the Allowance for the Survivor (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement/allowance-survivor.html).

These tools are just two of the concrete actions that the Government of Canada is taking to support seniors and improve service delivery. They build on the existing ways that the Government is supporting seniors financially, including by:

• putting hundreds of dollars back in the pockets of seniors who need it most through the July 5th grocery rebate;
• restoring the age of eligibility for the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 67 to 65;
• increasing the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors 75 and over; and
• increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 seniors across Canada.

 

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September 19, 2023
RESPIRATORY VIRUS UPDATE - BULLETIN #1

Manitoba Health is providing an update to Manitobans about respiratory viruses expected to circulate in the province over the coming months, as well as the provincial plan for COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccinations.

COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses will be circulating this fall and winter. Manitobans can take important steps to help protect themselves, their families and their community. This should include vaccination against flu and COVID-19, as well as good handwashing, cough and sneeze hygiene, staying home when sick and choosing to wear a mask.

Manitobans are reminded the respiratory virus season is expected to put demands on the health-care system because COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory viruses can result in serious and life-threatening illness for some people. Contingency planning is ongoing in case there is a significantly increased health threat from a new variant or pathogen.

Public health officials recommend all previously immunized people aged six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. This vaccine should be given six months since a person’s last dose or infection, whichever is later. Public health also continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who has not been previously immunized.

Updated vaccines will be available this fall and have been formulated to provide better protection against XBB.1.5, which is an offshoot of the omicron variant. To date, Health Canada has approved an updated Moderna vaccine for those six months of age and older and is reviewing updated Pfizer and Novavax vaccines.

Public health officials also recommend all eligible people (aged six months and older) receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is formulated every year to protect against the strains of flu virus expected to circulate. Manitoba also recommends the high-dose flu vaccine for all people aged 65 and older. This vaccine provides older people who are at greater risk of severe illness with a stronger immune response and better protection against infection and serious symptoms.

Vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including:

• adults 65 years of age or older;
• residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings;
• individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk;
• individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
• members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and
• people who provide essential community services.

More detailed lists of people at risk from COVID-19 and seasonal flu are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html and www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html.

All individuals 65 years and older are eligible to receive one dose of pneumococcal vaccine (Pneu-P-23), regardless of risk factors or previous pneumococcal vaccination. For more information, individuals should speak with their health-care provider.

Like previous years, the first doses of flu and COVID vaccines shipped to Manitoba will be used to immunize higher-risk populations including First Nations communities, people living in personal care homes or in hospital, as well as health-care workers.

Based on vaccine approvals and deliveries, the province expects the general public may begin to access vaccines by early to mid-October. Vaccines will once again be available at many convenient locations across the province including pharmacies, medical clinics, public health offices and immunization clinics organized by regional health authorities or in partnership with community organizations. Most locations will be posted on the province’s online vaccine finder as details are confirmed at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html#finder. Information will also be available from local public health offices and posted in communities in the coming weeks.

It is safe and effective for people to receive more than one vaccine at a time. Manitobans who wish to be vaccinated will be able to make a single appointment and receive all vaccines they are eligible for. A single, streamlined consent form for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines will also be introduced this year.

People who have questions about COVID-19 or seasonal flu immunizations should speak with their health-care provider or call Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) or 204-788-8200.

Rapid tests and PCR testing are only recommended for people who are high risk for serious outcomes as they need to know if they have COVID-19 to receive early treatment options such as antivirals. However, rapid test kits continue to be available at no cost at many locations across the province. For more information about testing, including an online map of locations where rapid tests may be available, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing.html.

A weekly epidemiology update on COVID-19 and seasonal flu is posted every Friday to help Manitobans stay informed at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/influenza/index.html.

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E-WATCH A safety and crime prevention education and awareness initiative of the Winnipeg Police Service.

Vacationing Home Safety

Planning a vacation this summer? Below are tips on how to keep your home safe while away on vacation:

• Arrange for someone to maintain your home so it appears occupied - (pick up mail, flyers and newspapers, place garbage and recycling containers at the curb for normal pickup.)

• Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your residence while you are away and leave your vacation address and phone numbers with them so you can be reached in an emergency.

• Arrange for lawncare.
• Use timers for lights both in and outside your residence.
• Unplug all unnecessary non-timed appliances (example coffee makers and lamps).

• Shut off water main to reduce the risk of flooding in the basement.

• Leave the shades and blinds on doors and windows in a position that you normally would have them.

• Make sure smoke detectors and alarms are functioning properly and armed.

• Make sure all the locks on the windows and doors function properly, and make sure to use them.

• DO NOT announce your trip/vacation plans on social media.

By doing so you are notifying would-be thieves you are not home.

Take Action

We all have a role to play in Safety and Crime prevention. If you see something-say something!

Emergency or crime in progress, call: 9-1-1

Non-emergency calls: 204-986-6222 (Winnipeg)

Report a crime online
https://winnipeg.ca/police/report/default.stm

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September 29 , 2022
Important information for seniors

Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera

New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals (NHSP)

The 2022–2023 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects has just launched. The NHSP supports projects that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the programs five objectives:
• social participation
• volunteering
• mentoring
• expanding awareness of elder abuse
• capital assistance

Organizations are invited to submit project proposals that empower seniors in their communities, contribute to improving their health and well-being and help them move beyond the pandemic.

The 2022–2023 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects is open until November 1, 2022.

Organizations are to apply online to allow funds to flow as quickly as possible to communities.

The paper application is still available for those who are unable to apply online. They can contact their regional Service Canada office to request any help they may need to submit their application online, and if online submission is not possible, our department will provide the organization with an application that they can complete and submit by email or mail.

For information on how to apply, please visit: the New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects website.


Honouring National Seniors Day, 2022

Every year, on October 1st Canada celebrates National Seniors Day.

Older Canadians offer a wealth of experience, knowledge and memories that ground and inspire us every day in our families, workplaces and communities.

The government is committed to ensuring we are responding to the needs of Canada’s aging population properly. Some things that are recently new for older Canadians include:

• Doubling the GST tax credit for six months
• One-time $500 top up to the Canada Housing Benefit Program
• 2022-23 New Horizons for Seniors Program
• Age Well at Home initiative

To celebrate seniors throughout the country, and commemorate National Seniors Day, you could:

• Visit a seniors residence in your community
• Visit an NHSP funded project that helps local seniors
• Thank and show gratitude to the seniors around you

Seniors deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. For more information on how to get involved as a senior, visit program and services for seniors.


Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines: Get a booster dose

While COVID-19 can affect anyone, Canadians over the age of 65 are at higher risk of developing complications. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines remains the best line of defence against serious outcomes from COVID-19.

Vaccines reduce the risks of severe illness and death from COVID-19 but protection fades over time. If it’s been longer than 6 months since your last dose, consider getting a booster dose.

While it is possible to get sick with COVID-19 after getting a booster, it helps:

• strengthen your body’s defences against the virus; and
• provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

You should get vaccinated even if you’ve been previously infected or think you may have been infected. Although a previous COVID-19 infection can provide some protection against reinfection, that protection also fades over time. Up-to-date vaccination—including booster doses—is recommended to help maintain effective protection, especially against severe outcomes.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination or to book an appointment, visit your provincial or territorial website. Help strengthen your defences against serious illness by staying up to date with all the COVID-19 vaccine doses recommended for you.

Information resources

• NEW Fact sheet: Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
• Video: Why do I need to get a COVID-19 booster dose?
• Social media images: Get the facts about COVID-19 booster doses
• Website: COVID-19 booster doses

Aging in Place Challenge program

Older adults across the country agree that they want to keep living in their own homes for as long as possible—safely and injury free.

In 2021, the Government of Canada announced the new Aging in Place Challenge program led by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Researchers from the NRC are partnering with like-minded private, public, academic and other research organizations in Canada and abroad to develop breakthroughs in technology to help older adults and their caregivers live safe, healthy and socially connected lives while remaining in their homes and communities of choice.

The aim is to increase the number of older adults who are living in homes and communities of their choice by 20% by 2031.

The program supports safe and healthy aging in four areas:

• Safety: Innovative living environments and injury prevention at home
• Health: Cognitive monitoring and enablement, chronic health management and daily living support
• Connection: Mobility, transportation and social engagement
• Standards: Smart home standards that support safety, and enhance technical interoperability

Get involved: sign up for opportunities to share your expertise

The Aging in Place Challenge program is currently looking for older adults or caregivers who are interested in becoming an expert and who have lived experiences in this area. Older adults, caregivers and advocates who wish to share their real-world insights and experience are invited to submit their interest. There will be a number of opportunities to get involved in the coming years to provide your thoughts and opinions.

Call for participants for two research studies on home equity, housing debt, and retirement

Employment and Social Development Canada seeks participants for two research studies that will help to fill gaps in knowledge on how Canadians use home equity. Eligible participants will be compensated.

Reverse Mortgages Study

This study aims to better understand the motivations for getting a reverse mortgage and the resulting impact on retirement security.

Visit the Reverse mortgages study web page for more information.

Home Equity and Retirement Study

This study will explore the impacts of mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) on retirement planning and security among Canadians aged 45 and older.

Visit the Home equity and retirement study web page for more information.

To apply to join a study, contact us by phone at 1-833-540-3290 or send an email to NC-RESEARCH-INNOVATION-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

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July, 2022
Seniors' Pride

Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera Op-Ed

As we mark the start of Pride season, I can’t help but think about all the progress that Canada has made in advancing the rights of LGBTQ2+ communities from coast to coast to coast. Whether it’s banning the harmful practice of conversion therapy or lifting the blood ban on men who have sex with men, all of these monumental achievements are due in large part to the brave work and sacrifice of LGBTQ2+ activists and allies. As these courageous people grow older, they deserve to live their golden years in security and dignity being their true, authentic selves – just like every Canadian. Sadly, this isn’t always the case.

In 2018, 7 per cent of LGBTQ2+ Canadians were aged 65 or older1. Many currently or will eventually need either at home-based supports or to move into a long-term care or assisted living facility. A phenomenon of ‘going back into the closet’ has emerged amongst LGBTQ2+ seniors in long-term care, where they do not disclose their identities out of fear of discrimination from care staff and fellow residents. This is taking place in a community that is already at increased risk of invisibility, discrimination and assault. For example, 59% of all transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and non-heterosexual respondents to the 2018 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces (SSPPS) had experienced physical or sexual assault, compared with 37 per cent of cisgender and heterosexual respondents2. These factors contribute to the risk of social isolation and invisibility in LGBTQ2+ seniors, especially within the health and social services network, and have a direct impact on their health and well-being3. It's simply not right. LGBTQ2+ seniors are a crucial part of the fabric of our society, they have contributed to and helped build a more inclusive Canada, they fought for LGBTQ2+ rights, and should be able to enjoy their lives.

While there is always more to do, our government has taken strong action to ensure the community’s unique needs are better addressed. In 2019, as part of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), my department funded a cutting-edge research study between Saint Paul and Guelph University to develop a promising practices model that will assist community organizations in more effectively engaging and including LGBTQ2+ seniors. This study collected information and analyzed data from five age friendly communities across Ontario to chart a clear path forward. The NHSP stream also currently funds a five-year long project, “Georgian 2SLGBTQ Seniors Project” at The Gilbert Centre to address the isolation and discrimination of 2SLGBTQ seniors aged 55+ by developing a Collective Impact Plan (CIP) in Central and North-Eastern Ontario. In the last Call for Proposals (2021), 510 funded projects identified that the organization serves LGBTQ2+ seniors.

A few weeks ago, I was heartened to see long term care provider, The Rekai Centres unveil a 25 bed “Rainbow Wing” for LGBTQ2+ seniors at one of their downtown Toronto sites. While it’s the first facility of its kind in North America, I’m working hard to make sure it won’t be the last. With our nation’s first ever LGBTQ2+ Action Plan set to roll out later this year, LGBTQ2+ seniors can count on our government to have their backs.
Minister Kamal Khera

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March 16 , 2022
Important information for seniors

Legislation to help seniors who access pandemic benefits received Royal Assent

Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera

The Government has recognized that some Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowance recipients have been facing lower benefit payments this year because of the income they received from pandemic benefits. Because we don’t want seniors to face any undue hardship due to any pandemic benefits they access now, or in the future, I introduced a bill in the House of Commons (Bill C-12) to provide a permanent fix. Bill C-12, which received Royal Assent on March 3, ensures that seniors who received pandemic benefits in 2021 or later will not experience a loss or reduction in their future GIS or Allowance benefits. That means that any income received under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit will not be counted as income and will be excluded for the purposes of calculating the amount of GIS and Allowance in future years.

One-time payment

As I announced recently, any GIS and Allowance recipients who received pandemic benefits in 2020, were in receipt of the GIS/Allowance in June 2021, and experienced a reduction or loss in GIS/Allowance benefits in July 2021, will receive a one-time payment to fully compensate the reduction or loss they endured in GIS/Allowance benefits. We plan to issue automatic payments to affected seniors in April 2022.

March was Fraud Prevention Month!

This year’s fraud prevention campaign will focus on impersonation scams—scams that often involve fraudsters posing as a trusted source from your bank or a government department. These fraudsters’ goal is to steal your money or personal information.

If you find yourself under pressure from a scammer to provide personal information or make an urgent or unexpected payment, here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

• If you were contacted by phone: hang up, wait 10 minutes and then look up the phone number and call the organization yourself.

• If you receive a suspicious email, delete it—do not click on any of the links provided.

• Do not feel pressured to give out your personal details—reputable organizations won’t contact you for personal information.

• Contact someone you trust for advice.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to the Competition Bureau of Canada.

Learn more about scams to watch out for and how to avoid them. You can also read the Little Black Book of Scams and watch my video on Fraud Prevention Month.

Tax season is here

I know that preparing taxes can be overwhelming, but help is available! Filing your taxes helps you get the most out of the benefits and credits that the Government provides. For low-income seniors, it’s especially important as we’ll use the income information from your income tax and benefit return to review your eligibility for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, automatically, every year.

Plan ahead:
Sign up now for direct deposit and file online. Using these tools will help you avoid delays and get your notice of assessment and any refund, if applicable, faster. Also, please sign up for My Account, as it is the fastest and easiest way to view and manage your tax and benefit information.

Get tax help:
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the benefits (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2022/senior-tips-tax-season.html) you are entitled to, look for community volunteers who may be able to help you do your taxes. Find a free tax clinic near you.

Reminder: protect yourself with a COVID-19 booster vaccine

A complete primary COVID-19 vaccine series continues to provide very good protection against serious illness for most people. Over time, protection from the primary series can decrease. An mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster dose will help provide continued protection from serious illness. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends that people over 50 years of age get a booster dose. NACI also recommends that all adults 18 to 49 years of age as well as youth 12 to 17 years of age who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes consider a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for additional protection. The booster should be administered at least six months from the last dose of the primary vaccine series. Learn more about current NACI booster recommendations at Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated – Canada.ca.

You can contact a health care provider or your local public health authority for more information on eligibility and how to book an appointment.

COVID-19 travel information

Effective February 28, 2022 at 12:01 AM EST, the Government of Canada eased its Travel Health Notice from level 3 to 2. This change means that the Government no longer recommends that Canadians avoid non-essential travel to all destinations. However, travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel, and take necessary precautions.

Returning home? Before arriving in Canada, regardless of how long you’ve been away or your vaccination status, you must have proof of a valid pre-entry test result and submit your information in ArriveCAN.

For the pre-entry test result to be valid, you must present one of the three options below:

• a negative rapid antigen test result taken outside of Canada no more than one day before your scheduled flight or arrival at a land or marine port of entry; or,
Note: Taking a rapid antigen test at home will not be accepted. To be valid, the COVID-19 antigen tests must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by an accredited laboratory or testing provider only.

• a negative molecular test result taken outside of Canada no more than 72 hours before your scheduled flight or arrival at a land or marine port of entry; or,

• a positive molecular test result taken between at least 10 and 180 calendar days before your scheduled flight or arrival at a land or marine port of entry.

Submitting your information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arriving in Canada continues to be mandatory for everyone.

• ArriveCAN is available to download as a free mobile app on your smartphone or you can access it on the website at Canada.ca/arrivecan.

• If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t have mobile data, you can sign on the website through any computing device (computer, laptop, and tablet). You can also ask another person for help, such as a friend or relative, to submit your information. You should print or take a screenshot of your ArriveCAN receipt and bring it with you when you travel.

• ArriveCAN is the only official Government of Canada platform to provide your mandatory contact, travel and health information before entering Canada.

• Find out how to create your ArriveCAN account, troubleshoot problems and contact us on the ArriveCAN help page.

• If you are returning to Canada and are fully vaccinated, (https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#determine-fully) you may be randomly selected for arrival testing. If you are selected, you will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting your test result. If you are unvaccinated, you will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8, and quarantine for 14 days.

• Remember to also register your trip with the Registration of Canadians abroad so that we can notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.


Useful links

• ArriveCAN
• More about the Global travel advisory
• Canadian travel requirements
• Travel.gc.ca

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March 7, 2022
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR REQUESTS NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL HISTORICAL AWARD

Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon is encouraging the public to nominate a worthy Manitoban who has provided prolonged and meritorious service in the preservation and promotion of Manitoba history for an award, presented in consultation with the Manitoba Historical Society.

“In every community, in every city and town, there are individuals who devote their time and expertise to preserving documents, creating historical studies, restoring or maintaining historical buildings and artifacts, bringing the past to life in schools, museums and historic sites, and advocating for historical understanding,” said Lt.-Gov. Filmon. “It is a pleasure to formally recognize Manitobans who take such pride in preserving and promoting the history of this great province for the benefit of us all.”

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Historical Preservation and Promotion is presented to those with experience in such endeavours as:

• the writing of historical publications and documents;
• stewardship of museums and archives;
• raising of public education, advocacy and awareness;
• committee or community service;
• preservation of historic sites / buildings; and
• art and media.

As the oldest historical organization in Western Canada, founded in 1879, the Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) presents awards to businesses, farms and organizations that have operated for over 100 years, recognizes important historical books with its Margaret McWilliams Awards and encourages schoolchildren to learn about Manitoba’s past through its Young Historians Awards. It publishes the Prairie History The Journal of the West and operates a comprehensive website with information on all facets of Manitoba history and heritage.

The MHS will receive nominations from the public and will recommend up to three individuals to receive awards this year. Nominations to be considered for 2022 must be received by Friday, April 1. The awards will be presented at Government House later in the spring.

Nomination forms and further details of the award program are available on the websites of the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba (www.manitobalg.ca) and the Manitoba Historical Society (www.mhs.mb.ca).

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Hello,

I am honoured to have been recently appointed as Canada’s Minister of Seniors.

As a registered nurse, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit I put my hand up to volunteer in one of the hardest-hit long-term care facilities in the province. Seeing first-hand the harsh realities these seniors faced motivated me to work for change—and to improve supports and services for seniors.

I am excited by your interest in seniors’ issues and want to keep you up to date with important developments at the national level. I hope you enjoy my first newsletter.

New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals

We recently launched the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2021–22 call for proposals for community-based projects. As the country reopens, community services for seniors are more important than ever. Organizations are invited to submit proposals for projects that help seniors stay active and engaged.

Organizations can apply for funding for projects that support these national priorities:

1. Supporting healthy aging

2. Preventing elder abuse and fraud

3. Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion

4. Helping seniors to age in place

The call for proposals is open until December 21, 2021. For information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html.

Booking your flu shot

Seniors and people with health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are at a higher risk of flu-related complications. Getting the flu shot is the best way to help prevent the flu, and it can reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu.

Visit Canada.ca/flu to learn more about the flu shot and how to book your flu shot appointment.

Planning a trip?

Travel restrictions are easing up and you may want to travel soon. Before planning your trip, remember that there are still risks to travelling, and travel restrictions can still change at a moment’s notice because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to travel is your choice, and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. If you are travelling by plane or train from or within Canada, you must be prepared to show proof of vaccination.

Here are some travel tips:

• Ensure you meet all the entry requirements of your destination, including those for testing, vaccination and quarantine, by consulting the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories.

• Have your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination with you when you travel.

• Register your trip with the Government of Canada so you can be notified in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.

• Be sure to get sufficient travel insurance coverage for any eventuality.

Applying for passports

With the gradual resumption of travel, you may need to apply for a passport. If you have no immediate travel plans, you are encouraged to mail in your application or schedule an appointment via the eServiceCanada Service Request Form.

Passport service standards (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/processing-times.html) vary from 10 to 20 business days depending on which method you use to apply. If you need a passport in less than two business days, contact the Passport Program Call Centre at 1-800-567-6868. For more information, please visit: Canadian passports and travel documents – Canada.ca.

Returning to Canada

When returning to Canada, all travellers, with limited exceptions, must use ArriveCAN to submit their mandatory travel information within 72 hours before their arrival to Canada. Travellers should also check Canada’s pre-entry testing and other requirements before returning. Find more information at Travel.gc.ca.

Sincerely,

Kamal Khera
Minister of Seniors
Canada.ca/seniors

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December 2, 2021

The Festive Season Checkstop program 2021

While impaired driving enforcement is conducted throughout the year, the community can expect to see increased enforcement for impaired driving through ongoing patrols and strategic Checkstops throughout the holiday season.

Impaired driving continues to be the number one criminal cause of death in Canada, yet it is 100 percent preventable.

Our message is simple: If you choose to drink or do drugs, DON’T DRIVE. Arrange for a designated driver, take public transit, call a ride-sharing service, or stay overnight.

All too often, the focus on impaired driving incidents centres on charges, fines and possible jail time. The most painful cost, however, is that of lives needlessly lost.

Please choose to help by making this a safe and fatality-free season on Winnipeg roads.

The Winnipeg Police Service Traffic Division wishes everyone a happy, healthy and above all, safe festive season.

The Festive Season Checkstop program is made possible by partnering with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

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99th ANNUAL (WAR) MEMORIAL SERVICE GOING VIRTUAL

Going virtual this year was a viable option: Glenn Rasmussen

Due to the continued covid restrictions, the Darlingford Memorial Park Committee presented the 99th Darlingford Memorial Service virtually on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at 11:00 am. To view the service, you can check the following social media sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/
DarlingfordMemorialPark ,

www.pembina.ca ,

and You tube – Darlingford Memorial Park.

The Committee has also postponed their plans for the 100th anniversary celebration of the park's opening to July 2022. The service is the main source of funding for the yearly cost of maintaining this beautiful park. Donations will be gratefully accepted towards these expenses and income tax receipts will be issued. Donations can be mailed to : RR 1, Box 46, Darlingford, MB R0G 0L0.

2020 marked the only cancellation of these annual services that have taken place at the war memorial, dating back to July 5, 1921 when the park officially opened. It includes participation from local school children who place flowers on two crosses in honour of those who never made it home from the wars. Two black marble plaques inside the memorial list the names of the men who served and died in World War I and II.

The Darlingford Memorial is the only free-standing memorial building of it's kind in Manitoba that honours the war dead. The park is maintained by a local volunteer committee (8) and community volunteers.

“LEST WE FORGET.”

Everyone is WELCOME to visit the park & Memorial building this summer. The park is open to the public seven days a week.

For more information on this virtual Memorial Service:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
DarlingfordMemorialPark

Please contact: Glenn Rasmussen, Committee Spokesperson
Tel: 204-246-2275 Cell: 204-823-1987.

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COVID-19 SCREENING

An online self-assessment tool (Shared health / Soins communs Manitoba - https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/) is now available to help Manitobans determine if they should contact Health Links – Info Santé or seek other medical advice.

International travellers who have developed cold- or flu-like symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 (such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat or headache) within 14 days of returning to Canada should contact Health Links -Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to be referred for testing.

If you have cold- or flu-like symptoms but have NOT travelled internationally within the last 14 days and have NOT had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you will not need to be screened. Please remain at home and self-isolate until your symptoms have been gone for 24 hours.

Health Links – Info Santé continues to experience high call volumes and your patience is appreciated. Staffing numbers continue to be increased and technical enhancements are currently being developed.

Please note:
• CancerCare Manitoba is asking patients with upcoming appointments or tests to call ahead to their appointment site. Cancer patients may be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to weakened immune systems, so appointments and tests may be rescheduled if not considered urgent or patients are not actively being treated for the disease.

• Similarly, patients living with kidney disease are also at higher risk of infection. Scheduled dialysis treatments are proceeding as usual for patients who are well. However, dialysis patients experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms who have returned from international travel in the past 14 days are asked to call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 for an initial assessment. They are also asked to call their renal unit before leaving home for a dialysis treatment or clinic visit so staff can prepare to treat them in a way that keeps them and others from possibly being exposed to COVID-19.

• All transportation companies should make sure drivers do not have respiratory symptoms before crossing the U.S. border and take the necessary measures if they exhibit cold- or flu-like symptoms. This includes calling Health-Links Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to speak to a health practitioner and requesting the affected driver to self-isolate until they have been assessed.

ABOUT HEALTH LINKS – INFO SANTÉ

Health Links – Info Santé, the flagship program of the Provincial Health Contact Centre, was the first bilingual phone-based nursing triage system in Canada.

Health Links – Info Santé, available to all Manitobans, operates 24/7, 365 days of the year with a team of registered nurses answering more than 114,000 calls annually in English and French with service in more than 100 other languages available through over-the-phone interpreters.

Nurses follow assessment guidelines to triage health issues – everything from flu symptoms to child fevers to heart attacks. Callers are given advice as to what health-care path should be followed: call 911; visit an emergency department, urgent care, walk-in clinic or family physician; or advice and education are given about managing symptoms at home.

Health Links – Info Santé nurses also provide general health information and help callers find health resources in local communities across Manitoba.

Other public health services such as the Breastfeeding Hotline (204-788-8667), West Nile virus, rabies and influenza support are available to callers through Hea

lth Links – Info Santé.

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All data in this bulletin is current as of July 6 unless noted otherwise.

Immunization Card

Manitobans who are fully-immunized can apply for a Manitoba immunization card. People can visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/
vaccine/immunization-record.html to apply. Effective today, individuals without access to the internet can call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) and follow the prompts to request their immunization card.

Eligibility

All people aged 12 and up are now eligible to make their first- or second-dose appointment. The date of the second appointment must be at least 28 days after the first vaccination. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/
eligibility-criteria.html#second-dose. Individuals can book online at https://protectmb.ca or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222).

Vaccine Administration

A total of 1,536,491 doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.

Appointments and Walk-ins

On July 14, all vaccine super sites throughout the province will be offering walk-ins only. While Pfizer will be earmarked for use in youth between 12 and 17 years old, Moderna will be available for adults at each site. All July pop-up clinics are now listed online in the map finder at https://protectmb.ca.

From July 7 to 13, there are about 25,000 Moderna appointments open and available for booking.

Until July 10, the RBC Convention Centre, Leila, Steinbach, Selkirk and Brandon super sites were offering extended hours of immunization from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The RBC site will continue to be by appointment only, but all of the other sites will be taking walk-ins.

Parents, caregivers or other adults who have a booked Pfizer appointment can continue to transfer their appointment to a 12- to 17-year-old youth, through the provincial call centre.

Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for AstraZeneca vaccinations. Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at https://manitoba.ca/
covid19/vaccine/finder.html to find a location with available doses.

A complete listing and searchable map of all vaccine sites, including urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up clinics, is available online at https://protectmb.ca. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

Vaccine Supply and Distribution

To date, 1,920,100 doses of vaccine have been delivered to Manitoba. This includes:
• 1,125,540 doses of the Pfizer vaccine;
• 702,800 doses of the Moderna vaccine; and
• 91,760 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Additional Information

To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine. Individuals who are fully vaccinated can now request a digital or physical immunization card. For more information, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/
vaccine/immunization-record.html
#immunization-cards.

Individuals who need to update any missing or inaccurate information on their immunization records can call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) and follow the prompts or use the e-form at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/
covid-immunization-record-request/.

Manitobans are reminded to fill out a second consent form for their second dose appointment. To fill out and print the consent forms before your appointment, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/
resources.html#forms.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca/.

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June 22, 2020
MANITOBA TO DEVELOP OUTDOOR, ALL-SEASON VISITATION SHELTERS
AT PERSONAL CARE HOMES

Government Also Accepting Proposals
For Safety and Capital Upgrades: Friesen

The Manitoba government is working to develop outdoor, all-season shelters that will be located near personal care homes and be suitable for residents to safely visit with loved ones, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“Allowing personal care home residents to safely maintain the connections they have with their families and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic is central to their ongoing health and well-being,” said Friesen. “We are planning ahead by moving forward with the development of all-season shelters, ensuring those needed and valuable visits can remain safe and uninterrupted.”

The Manitoba government will ask for feedback on conceptual designs for personal care home shelters in the near future. The shelters will be outside, but close to personal care homes year-round. They must be accessible, protected from the elements, easily cleaned and provide a space for quality connections. Feedback can be provided at http://EngageMB.ca.

“Despite advances in technology that have allowed for virtual visits, this pandemic has taught us that nothing can replicate a face-to-face visit,” the minister said. “Today’s announcement shows that once again Manitobans are innovative, resilient and kind-hearted.”

Across Canada, approximately 80 per cent of all deaths related to COVID-19 have been linked to those living in personal care homes. In Manitoba, similar outcomes have been avoided thanks to a number of precautions taken in the early stages of the pandemic including strict visitor restrictions, enhanced screening for staff and the implementation of the one-site staffing model at personal care homes.

“The pandemic will challenge personal care homes for months to come, but we are committed to finding the right balance in enabling this all important human contact to continue while preserving the safety of residents, staff and families,” said Charles Gagné, CEO, Actionmarguerite. “Accessible spaces designed to meet these goals can only help but enhance these precious interactions and reduce the effects of loneliness by virtue of the public health restrictions.”

Additionally, the Manitoba government will be requesting proposals for safety and capital upgrades at personal care homes including:
• sprinkler protection,
• fire alarm voice communication systems,
• carbon monoxide detection,
• emergency lighting,
• infection control measures so not to affect residents, and
• planning and phasing of moving vulnerable residents.

The minister added these proposals are intended to build on the government’s commitment to ensure health-care facilities are in line with revised Manitoba Fire Code requirements including provision of fire suppression systems and increased fire separation enhancements to better protect residents, staff and the public.

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June 9, 2021
NEW VACCINE LOTTERY TO ENCOURAGE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR ALL ELIGIBLE MANITOBANS

Nearly $2 Million in Cash Prizes and Scholarships to be Distributed Throughout the Province: Pallister

The Manitoba government is launching a new provincewide lottery that will award nearly $2 million in cash and scholarships this summer to encourage Manitobans to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“Vaccination is the fastest way to overcome COVID-19 and safely restore our services and activities,” said Pallister. “Urgency is important. We need Manitobans to get vaccinated to protect each other and protect our health-care system. The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner we can get our lives back. This lottery gives Manitobans even more reasons to roll up their sleeves – not once, but twice.”

Manitoba will hold two lottery draws over the summer. All Manitobans aged 12 and up who have received at least one dose of vaccine on or before Aug. 2 will be eligible for the first draw. All Manitobans aged 12 and up who have received two doses on or before Sept. 6 will be eligible for the second draw.

Each lottery draw will award:

• three prizes of $100,000 in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (excluding Churchill);

• a $100,000 prize in each of the remaining regional health authorities: Prairie Mountain Health, Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority and Northern Regional Health Authority (including Churchill); and

• 10 draws for $25,000 scholarships for young people aged 12 to 17 across the province, for a total of $250,000.

All people who have been immunized with either a first or second dose are automatically eligible and will be entered into the lottery for a chance to win. A process has been put in place to ensure all information used for the purposes of the draw is protected and secure. Each draw will be held once eligible immunizations administered as of the lottery deadlines have been entered in the provincial database.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries will be responsible for conducting the lotteries and a third-party auditor will provide additional oversight.

“Trust and accountability are an integral part of every lottery, and we will ensure that all Manitobans can have confidence in the fairness and integrity of this process,” said Manny Atwal, president and CEO, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. “As we have seen in other jurisdictions, lotteries can act as an incentive to encourage vaccination. We are proud of our role in the goal to get as many Manitobans immunized as quickly as possible.”

This includes setting out how Manitobans who were vaccinated outside of the province may ensure their eligibility by reporting their vaccination to a public health office. Any Manitoban who wishes not to be part of the lottery may opt out via a simple process to be outlined in the near future.

For more information about the Manitoba Vaccination Lottery, visit https://protectmb.ca/lottery. Additional details on the lottery will also be provided at this site in the coming weeks.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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May 12, 2020
STATEMENT FROM PREMIER BRIAN PALLISTER ON MANITOBA’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province. During those 15 decades, people from all over the world have come to our keystone province in search for a safer, more prosperous life for themselves and their families. They found it here in Manitoba, their home of hope.

They found a tolerant society that continues to welcome people from every region of the world, regardless of their age, gender, religion or sexual preference. They found a compassionate society that faces its challenges together, consistently leading the nation in volunteerism and support of charities. They found an inclusive society, composed of a diverse mosaic of cultures, customs and languages. They found a society of freedom and opportunity, where the only obstacle to achieving your potential is the size of your dreams.

Their story is our story and it is the story of the approximately 10,000 newcomers who become Canadian citizens each year in our province. Manitobans will always embrace them with open arms and open hearts, welcoming them to our Manitoba family.
As we look to the future, our talented workforce, our diversified economy and our unshakeable respect for human rights ensures that Manitoba will continue to be the envy of the world.

It is often said the only thing better than today in Manitoba is tomorrow in Manitoba. I know that is true because of the many people making meaningful contributions to our province’s economy and society. Manitobans of all races and religions, working together each day to build an even brighter future for themselves, for their families, for their neighbours and for future generations of Manitobans.

We are united in celebration; we are united in hope. We are united.

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May 5, 2020

PROVINCE INVESTING $45 MILLION FOR MANITOBA SENIORS TO LESSEN FINANCIAL BURDEN POSED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Seniors Throughout our Province
Deserve our Help and Support: Pallister

The province is extending $45 million in direct financial support to Manitoba seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic through the new Seniors Economic Recovery Credit that will deliver a $200 tax credit to each recipient, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“Senior citizens across the province are facing increased financial hardships because they now have to pay extra for grocery deliveries, or purchasing and learning to use technology at home so they can communicate with their family members and the loved ones they miss,” said Pallister. “Manitobans are working together to navigate this challenging time and seniors throughout our province deserve our help and support.”

Created through an expansion of the Manitoba Protection Plan for the public health crisis, the Seniors Economic Recovery Credit will provide every Manitoban aged 65 and older with a one-time, refundable tax credit of $200. To ensure best use of the credit, the Department of Finance will proactively mail a payment cheque as a credit advance to each senior who filed a 2018 income tax return prior to April 1, 2020.

Seniors who have changed mailing addresses since the time of their 2018 tax filings will have an opportunity to update the Department of Finance on their address changes through a government web portal at www.manitoba.ca/seniorseconomicrecoverycredit. Those who do not receive a cheque, have not updated their addresses or are new residents of Manitoba will be able to receive the $200 credit when they file their 2020 income tax return.

Almost every senior across the province will receive the payment in May. The $200 credit will not be counted taxable as income and will not be used to claw back income-tested benefits to seniors, the premier noted.

“As we slowly and carefully begin the process of reopening of our province’s economy, this credit is putting $45 million directly into the hands of Manitobans as we move forward from COVID-19,” said Pallister. “Manitoba seniors deserve assistance during this pandemic. We can’t relieve all of their stress during these difficult times, but we can make it more affordable for them.”

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

 

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April 7 , 2020
COVID-19 PROCUREMENT
BULLETIN #1

Today, the Manitoba government is seeking the following items to support the province’s response COVID-19:

• N95 masks,
• surgical masks,
• gloves,
• medical gowns, and
• additional medical supplies to aid in the fight against COVID-19.

On April 3, to add to the Manitoba Protection Plan, the Manitoba government announced the investment of more than $100 million to accelerate the pace at which Manitoba is procuring essential medical supplies and equipment, hotel capacity and other critical needs to help prepare for COVID-19.

The Manitoba government asks that businesses and individuals able to provide products or services to contact the provincial government immediately and see how they are able to help.

The province is specifically looking for assistance from the garment industry to source medical gowns, suits and other products requiring sewing.

Manitoba manufacturers or businesses able to provide supplies or prepared to re-tool and rapidly scale up production lines to develop products made in Manitoba to help in the fight against COVID-19 can go to the online submission form at www.manitoba.ca/covid19supplies. Once visiting the site, businesses should wait to be contacted by the procurement office.

Shared Health has also issued a call to businesses who have personal protective equipment on hand. If the supplies are in original packaging, clean and in usable condition, and you are interested in donating the requested items, reach out by visiting https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/. Drop-off locations exist across Manitoba in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, Winkler and Steinbach.

For accurate, up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

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Wpg Police Service -

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Enhancements To Reporting Processes