September 26, 2025
Manitoba Government Working Group will Review Implementation Recommendations to Support Seniors and People in Care
– – –Justice William Burnett Report Released Today: Asagwara
The Manitoba government has formed a new working group tasked with implementing the recommendations from Justice William Burnett report’s on strengthening protection for people in care, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
“Justice Burnett has done a thorough and comprehensive review of the Protection for Persons in Care Office and other related government services, and provided recommendations on models to protect seniors and those with physical and intellectual disabilities,” said Asagwara. “His report reminds us that never again should we allow the abuse and neglect of vulnerable people to be swept under the rug. We have carefully reviewed the findings in the report and we are working to implement them responsibly over time.”
This working group will consult with stakeholders, Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) staff, the seniors advocate as well as Manitobans living in care facilities and their families on how best to implement the spirit of Burnett’s recommendations in the work of both the PPCO and the new seniors advocate office, the minister noted, adding the first advocate will be appointed by the legislative assembly this fall.
On Nov. 1, the Manitoba government will bring into force the seniors advocate act, which was passed this spring. This independent office will identify and evaluate issues faced by seniors and elders, consult with representative groups and make recommendations to the Manitoba government.
“Establishing a seniors’ advocate creates an official, independent body that will focus on listening to seniors and working alongside them to improve their lives,” said Asagwara. “Appointing the advocate is only the first step. This office will consult directly with seniors and their representative groups, and their feedback will become recommendations to government that could include examining Manitoba’s housing and care landscape or even legislative enhancements to the act.”
In July 2023, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released a report confirming unacceptable and systemic issues within the PPCO including an investigation backlog of more than five years, conclusions of “unfounded for abuse” in cases where vulnerable Manitobans were assaulted and inadequate public reporting. The report included 12 recommendations to improve the PPCO’s investigation process, all of which have been addressed by the government, the minister said.
The PPCO has eliminated its backlog, increased its staffing complement and took steps to improve internal processes, said the minister. In January 2024, the Manitoba government passed regulations under the Vulnerable Persons Living with a Mental Disability Amendment Act. This bill expanded the definition of abuse and neglect to meet the OAG’s recommendation.
The adult abuse registry has also carefully reviewed Burnett’s report and is committed to strengthening its processes while maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with the PPCO to ensure vulnerable Manitobans are fully protected as the recommendations are being implemented, said the minister.
Burnett’s report can be viewed, at https://manitoba.ca/openmb/infomb/departments/index.html#collapse10.
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