June 16, 2011
Planning for the Future of the Manitoba Developmental Centre Underway
– – –Stakeholder Implementation Committee to Map Transition from Institutional to Campus Model: Mackintosh
A stakeholder implementation committee has been struck to move ahead a new, long-term plan for the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC), located in Portage la Prairie, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Over the next decade, we see MDC shifting from a traditional institutional setting to a centre of excellence campus that provides services for people with unique and challenging needs,” said Mackintosh.
“With the resident population declining, we must proactively manage this change and move now to ensure ongoing stable supportive housing for residents, a continued role for MDC’s exceptionally skilled workforce and guard against damage to the area economy,” Mackintosh added. “This likely means some continued specialized residential services but with a new focus on outreach services for Portage and area.”
As part of the transition of MDC, the government is working to accommodate MDC residents who express an interest in living in the community in a setting that meets their needs and ensures their health and well-being. In 2011-12, $2.1 million will be allocated to move 16 individuals from MDC to the community, the minister said.
The province is developing homes for 12 of these individuals in Portage la Prairie and area with ongoing access to MDC for professional services like day programming and recreation. The government will ensure families and substitute decision makers are part of all decisions about residents, Mackintosh added.
He said members appointed to the committee will work to oversee the implementation of the transformation of MDC and help ensure employment stability, either at MDC or elsewhere in the civil service.
The committee is looking at ways to ensure residents continue to have access to quality care from MDC staff while at the same time allowing MDC to develop specialized on-site services, community options and outreach in the Portage la Prairie area. This could include crisis stabilization, respite, specialized care and day services, or employment supports. The committee will also explore other options for MDC, such as offering health-care services or supports for other vulnerable people.
The committee includes:
- Bruce Buckley, of the Manitoba Government and General Employee’s Union (MGEU);
- Ann Krahn, a family member of a resident at MDC;
- Kam Blight, of the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie;
- Brent Froese, of the City of Portage la Prairie;
- Janet Forbes, of Community Living Winnipeg;
- Scott Klassen, of People First of Manitoba;
- Dr. Jennifer Frain, executive director of New Directions;
- Karen Guth, an MDC staff representative;
- Cynthia Winram, CEO of MDC;
- Joanna Knowlton, Manitoba public trustee;
- Marvin Krawec, of Friends of MDC; and
- representatives of the provincial government.
The implementation committee’s work will build on the work of the Government-MGEU Workforce Planning Committee. That committee brought representatives from the MGEU and the province together throughout 2010 to examine the issues arising from the declining resident population at the MDC and to consider options for the future.
“I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks for the hard work that went into the final report,” added Mackintosh. “I look forward to continuing to partner with the MGEU to ensure an ongoing role for the expertise of MDC staff.”
The minister also commended David Faurschou, member of the legislature for Portage la Prairie, for his relentless and constructive work to ensure that Portage continues to play an important role in supporting vulnerable Manitobans.
The Government-MGEU Workforce Planning Committee’s report is accessible online at www.manitoba.ca/fs/pwd/pubs/mdc_workforce_report.pdf.
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