A report worth $1 million, prepared subsequent to a proposal to dissolve the Manitoba office safeguarding seniors in care, has been awaiting action on the health minister’s desk since December. This situation raises doubts about the fate of the initiative since no progress has been made yet to implement it into reality.
The Manitoba auditor general’s scathing report in July 2023 exposed a multitude of issues within the Protection for Persons in Care Office, an entity housed within the provincial health department. This office is tasked with receiving and investigating complaints of abuse or neglect at personal care homes or hospitals.
The auditor’s findings revealed serious allegations of abuse being dismissed and complaints taking an excessive amount of time, up to three years, to be addressed by the provincial office. Additionally, instances were highlighted where findings of misconduct were overturned by a director within the office.
In response to these revelations, the previous Progressive Conservative government intended to disband the office and establish a new independent investigative body that would report directly to the legislature instead of a government department. William Burnett, a former justice from Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal, was enlisted to provide guidance in setting up this new office.
However, following the election victory of the NDP in October 2023, progress on the plan seems to have halted, with no apparent allocation of new funds for the project and no clear commitment from the health minister regarding its future.
The head of a national seniors’ advocacy group criticized the prolonged inaction on the report, deeming it “inexcusable.” She emphasized the need for substantial changes promised, including the establishment of a new office to bring transparency to the system.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara stated that they have been reviewing Burnett’s recommendations since receiving the report in December but did not provide specifics. The minister refrained from confirming if the plan for an independent office would proceed, stating that it was initiated by the previous government.
Asagwara highlighted that the NDP administration focused on addressing immediate concerns with the Protection for Persons in Care Office rather than waiting for recommendations. The contract with Burnett, valued at over $1 million, outlined milestones for the creation of the new independent office, but his involvement ceased after the report submission.
The NDP government took steps to clear the backlog at the existing office, recruited additional investigators, and established an independent seniors’ advocate office. This advocate will identify and assess issues affecting seniors and is expected to be operational once legislation is enacted this fall.
Furthermore, legislation introduced by the previous government was proclaimed by the NDP to enhance the definition of abuse under the act governing the protection office. The NDP government also committed to completing all investigations within 179 days and expressed openness to strengthening the Seniors’ Advocate Act in the future.
The opposition Progressive Conservatives criticized the NDP for the perceived lack of action on Burnett’s report, characterizing it as a waste of taxpayer money. Meanwhile, the seniors’ advocate emphasized the importance of having both a seniors’ advocate and an independent investigative office to effectively address issues faced by seniors.
The Protection for Persons in Care Office received 2,354 reports of potential abuse or neglect in the 2024-25 period, with 69 cases elevated to investigation. The annual report detailed cases of physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and financial abuse, with ongoing active investigations currently standing at 68.
The auditor general’s recommendations, including making investigation outcomes public, have been partially implemented, with some aspects due for completion in the upcoming year. Asagwara indicated that Burnett’s report will be disclosed by the end of September or early October.