HelpAge Canada CEO Kahir Lalji MA, CPG, and Felicity Watson, Lead, Canadian Programs, were in Winnipeg today for an inspiring provincial consultation, led by event organizer and partner Connie Newman, Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities, and team.
This gathering and early ideas exchange brought together dedicated organizations, older Manitobans, and others from across sectors to envision the future of community-based seniors’ services (CBSS) in Manitoba and beyond.
“We explored exciting possibilities and collaboratively set a path forward to bolster the impactful work already being done by community-based organizations. It’s powerful to see so many dedicated groups come together to ensure older Manitobans thrive in their communities,” said Kahir.
Collective Voice and Collective Approach
CBSS organizations deliver programs, supports, and services that enable older adults to thrive in their communities. Rooted locally, they are built on a foundation of trust, relationships, and deep community knowledge. HelpAge Canada is partnering with CBSS networks to coordinate, convene, and connect the sector locally, regionally and across Canada. Through this community-led collective approach, we aim to strengthen and shape the future of the CBSS sector together.
NIA Insights Shared: Top Community Supports in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
We were delighted to invite Gabrielle Gallant, Director of Policy at the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), to share insights from the NIA’s annual Ageing in Canada Survey. Gabrielle thoughtfully highlighted key findings with a regional focus particularly relevant to Manitobans. We learned that the top five community support services older people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan relied on most were: low cost/accessible transportation, friendly visiting services, meal delivery programs, minor home repairs, and light yard work/snow shovelling programs.
CBSS Sector Consultations Continue
We are thrilled to be part of the Manitoba journey and congratulate Connie and all partners for this impactful and successful event. We are grateful to every participant who contributed their voices and insights. Their collective knowledge, passion, and commitment are shaping the future of the community-based network.
HelpAge Canada will continue its community consultation work alongside other provinces and territories to build a coordinated and connected Pan-Canadian CBSS sector by community, for community. Together, we can – and will – create a future where every older person in Canada is empowered to age with dignity, purpose, and community connection. Please join us!
