December 3, 2007
MARKETABILITIES MEANS MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANITOBANS WITH DISABILITIES: MACKINTOSH

New $7-million Component of Rewarding Work Strategy Unveiled on International Day of Disabled Persons
People with disabilities will now have more of the supports they need to find meaningful employment through a comprehensive initiative announced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, and Finance Minister Greg Selinger, minister responsible for the civil service.
“While the average number of Manitobans on employment and income assistance is at its lowest level in over two decades, Manitobans with disabilities receiving social assistance continue to experience challenges in obtaining employment,” said Mackintosh. “There must be new strategies involving both the private and public sectors to unleash the potential of these Manitobans.” (more)

November 26, 2007
ANTI-POVERTY INITIATIVES TO HELP MANITOBANS HELP THEMSELVES: MACKINTOSH

New Manitoba Child Benefit, Stronger Work Incentive New Job-Seekers' Allowance Announced
Manitoba’s working poor will benefit from an improved Manitoba child benefit and work incentives, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“We are moving forward to ensure it pays for Manitobans to make the move from welfare to the working world,” said Mackintosh. “These initiatives are the next step in dismantling the welfare wall and helping to ensure that work pays.” (more)

November 22, 2007
NEW $14.5-MILLION HOUSING FUND TO HELP RENEW WINNIPEG'S INNER CITY: MACKINTOSH

238 New Housing Units in Spence, North Portage Neighbourhoods To Receive Support
Building on Manitoba’s $188-million, low-income housing strategy, Winnipeg’s inner-city will benefit from a new fund established by legislation earlier this month, which is expected to reach $14.5 million over the next four years, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
Two hundred and thirty-eight new housing units in the Spence and North Portage neighbourhoods will be the first to be supported under the newly-enacted Housing Development and Rehabilitation Fund that will direct Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MRHC) suburban development profits toward revitalizing the inner-city neighbourhoods. (more)

November 19, 2007
EXPANDED ACCESS TO LEGISLATIVE BUILDING A CANADIAN FIRST

Opening of New Ramp Structure Celebrated With Community Groups
The Manitoba Legislative Building has become the first legislative building in Canada to provide full access at its front doors with the completion of a universal access ramp at the front entrance, Premier Gary Doer announced today. Until the addition of the ramp, universal access to the building was limited to the ramps that led to the basement on the east and west sides of the structure.
“For the first time, all people will have full access to the front doors of this historic and magnificent building,” said Doer. (more)

November 1, 2007
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES HISTORIC $2.6-MILLION INVESTMENT FOR SHELTER SECURITY, CHILDREN EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE, WORKFORCE STABILITY AND TRAINING

Biggest Annual Boost For Family Violence Prevention Includes `Domestic Violence Destroys Families' Campaign
Domestic Violence Prevention Month was launched with a strong commitment to a new era of supports for survivors of family violence, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Today’s new investments in safety and support for those impacted by the terror of domestic violence build on Manitoba’s reputation as a leader in this area. In particular, we are now going to address the need for stronger interventions for children who witness domestic violence. The cycle must stop,” Mackintosh said. (more)

October 17, 2007
PROVINCE FIGHTS POVERTY WITH JOBS: MINISTERS

Rewarding Work Invests $4.75 Million To Remove Barriers to Employment
Four new programs to get Manitobans off welfare and into work under the Rewarding Work strategy were announced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh and Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Jim Rondeau.
“The best anti-poverty measure is a job, especially with so many vacancies in our strong economy,” said Mackintosh. “Rewarding Work sends a strong message that we expect, support and reward work. We are striving to help Manitobans find meaningful employment and become independent of welfare.” (more)

October 10, 2007
LAND DEVELOPMENT PROFITS WOULD REVITALIZE INNER-CITY NEIGHBOURHOODS: MACKINTOSH

Minister Reintroduces Housing and Renewal Act Amendments
Profits from suburban land development would be directed toward renewal of inner-city neighbourhoods under legislation reintroduced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“We can build vibrant new communities while renewing existing neighbourhoods,” said Mackintosh. “This legislation will allow us to direct suburban land development profits to support areas in need such as Winnipeg’s older communities.” (more)

October 10, 2007
CHANGES WOULD STRENGTHEN CHILDREN IN CARE REVIEWS: MACKINTOSH

Proposed Legislation Would Expand Responsibilities and Powers of Children's Advocate, Role of Ombudsman
Proposed legislation would strengthen the required review of the death of a child served by the child protection system, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh said today.
“It is our duty to make changes that will help reduce risks to children and protect them now and in the future,” said Mackintosh. “This is one in a series of important steps that will improve our system and better support and protect children.” (more)

October 9, 2007
PROVINCE REINTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ENACT HEALTHY CHILD MANITOBA STRATEGY

Proposals Would Help Support Families and Children: Irvin-Ross
Proposed legislation would make a difference for children and create permanent structures within government and the community, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, chair of the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, said today as she reintroduced the legislation. (more)

September 21, 2007
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS REVITALIZING WINNIPEG NEIGHBOURHOODS

Over $2 Million Invested In Winnipeg's Inner City
WINNIPEG, September 21, 2007 – Aboriginal families with low incomes can soon expect a new home and affordable rent with the construction of ten single-family housing units in Winnipeg’s Centennial, St. John’s and West Alexander neighborhoods. The project received funding from the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg.
Manitoba Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh; Kildonan St-Paul MP Joy Smith, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; and Councillor Russ Wyatt, Transcona Ward, made the announcement today on the site of one of the new homes. (more)

June 29, 2007
HANNAH'S PLACE EMERGENCY SHELTER OPENS DOORS

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, June 29, 2007 — Men, women, and families in search of a warm bed and a hot shower can find a safe haven at Siloam Mission’s new emergency shelter, Hannah’s Place. The project received funding through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership of the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada; Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh; and City of Winnipeg Deputy Mayor Brenda Leipsic, on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, officially opened the shelter today. (more)

June 15, 2007
CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA ANNOUNCE OVER $900,000 IN HOMELESSNESS FUNDING TO HELP BRANDON AREA YOUTH

BRANDON, MANITOBA, June 15, 2007—Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Drew Caldwell, MLA for Brandon East, on behalf of the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing for Manitoba, today announced over $900,000 in homelessness funding for Uturn 3, a Brandon Area Youth for Christ project that will provide transitional housing and skills development to youth in need. (more)

June 8, 2007
ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE SENIORS HOUSING OPENS IN STE. ANNE

Ste. Anne, June 8, 2007 – Manitobans in the Ste. Anne area have been able to move into a new 28 unit affordable housing project as a result of more than $1.4 million in funding from the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). “Canada’s New Government recognizes the importance of affordable housing,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We are pleased to be working with our partners to extend a helping hand to those lower income individuals and persons with special needs here in Ste. Anne.”
“Good quality, safe and affordable housing supports seniors in maintaining independent lifestyles in their communities,” said Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh. ”We are committed to affordable housing for all Manitobans and are pleased to work with our community partners to realize the grand opening of Place Ste. Anne.” (more)

April 20, 2007
PROVINCE TO INVEST MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN A LEADING-EDGE, ONE-STOP HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE IN NORTHWEST WINNIPEG

ACCESS Northwest to Offer Co-Located Primary Health Care, Community Services to Better Serve Area Residents: Ministers
Residents of northwest Winnipeg will have more access to primary health care and community services with the establishment of ACCESS Northwest, Health Minister Theresa Oswald and Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“The province is pleased to invest more than $2 million for a one-stop health service centre in northwest Winnipeg. Access centres integrate programs and services, enhance the co-ordination of community-based health care and build and strengthen community connections for area residents,” said Oswald. “ACCESS Northwest will integrate a wide range of primary-care services, improving access to health and social services and delivering the care the community needs right in residents’ own neighbourhood.” (more)

April 18, 2007
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM GROUNDBREAKING REVITALIZATION OF 167 CHILD-CARE CENTRES: MACKINTOSH

Capital Contribution Grants, New Funded Spaces Allotted, More to Come
The allocation of $5.2 million in revitalization grants for 167 child-care centres and nursery schools, and the allocation of 1,250 newly-funded spaces was announced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“This expansion is so important for enhancing the quality and availability of child care,” said Mackintosh. “On top of more than doubling our investment in child care since 1999, families will have greater choices and opportunities to strengthen both the family and the economy.” (more)

April 17, 2007
$188 MILLION INVESTED IN FOUR-PILLAR, LOW-INCOME HOUSING STRATEGY

A new fund will enable community-driven construction or renovation of affordable homes for lower-income Manitobans, while other new investments will enhance public housing, homeless shelters and basic home repair, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
The total initial investment in the four pillars of Manitoba’s multi-year housing strategy is more than $188 million. The strategy joins Rewarding Work and enhancements to child care as Budget 2007’s framework for greater opportunities for low income Manitobans. (more)

April 13, 2007
MANITOBA TO IMPLEMENT CO-ORDINATED FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER STRATEGY

Province To Specifically Target $7.5 Million In Prevention, Diagnostics and Intervention: Irvin-Ross, Mackintosh
Manitoba is building on efforts to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and support those living with the effects of the disorder with additional funding to implement a co-ordinated FASD Strategy, Healthy Living Minister Kerri-Irvin Ross, minister responsible for Healthy Child Manitoba, and Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental delays in Canadian children,” said Irvin-Ross. “Based on advice from passionate, dedicated individuals, evidence and best practices, our government has invested in a range of programs aimed at improving FASD prevention, detection and support.” (more)

April 12, 2007
PROTOCOL IN PLACE TO PROTECT METH'S YOUNGEST VICTIMS

New Protocol, New Support for Youth Stabilization Facility Bolsters Manitoba's Nation-leading Meth Strategy: Ministers
New measures to help protect Manitoba communities against the devastating effects of crystal meth, including mandatory procedures for decontamination and assessment of children found in home-based meth labs, were announced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and Attorney General Dave Chomiak.
“Children in meth labs are the most at risk due to highly toxic and explosive chemicals, as well as emotional and physical deprivation,” said Mackintosh. “As another piece of Manitoba’s meth strategy, this protocol is a further effort to stay ahead of the threat of meth, relying on the most promising practices across North America.” (more)

April 11, 2007
PROVINCE INVESTS IN 500 MORE CHILD-CARE SPACES, CENTRE CONSTRUCTION, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS' WAGES AND LOWER FEES

Five-year Action Plan Fulfilled: Mackintosh
The province is funding 500 more child-care spaces, investing $2.8 million more for expansion and construction of facilities, and providing lower-cost child care this year, fulfilling its five-year plan, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Despite this year’s loss of a strong federal commitment to child care, we must now regain momentum. Budget 2007 recognizes the importance of child care in allowing Manitobans to go to work and help children get a strong start,” said Mackintosh. “It takes us forward as we prepare to launch a new multi-year vision for child care.” (more)

April 10, 2007
`REWARDING WORK' TO HELP LOW-INCOME WORKING FAMILIES, AND MOVE MORE MANITOBANS FROM WELFARE TO WORK: MACKINTOSH

New Child Benefit, Lower-cost Child Care, Stronger Work Incentives, And Skills Package in 10-point Reconstruction of Income Supports
Filling thousands of job vacancies and increasing family prosperity are the objectives of a ground-breaking, four-year action plan to move Manitobans from welfare to work, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“Manitobans should always be better off working than on welfare. Yet in getting a job, too often you lose. Benefits are reduced for child allowances, child care, drug, dental and optical coverage, which makes work less attractive,” said Mackintosh. “We must dismantle this welfare wall.” (more)

March 15, 2007
LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN THE NORTH GET INCREASED ASSISTANCE TO ADDRESS HIGH COST OF FOOD AND ESSENTIALS

Employment and income assistance (EIA) for residents of Manitoba’s northern and remote communities will increase effective April 1 to help residents buy expensive essential goods and nutritious food, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“This additional support will provide much-needed relief to address the higher cost of essential items in the north,” said Mackintosh. “We want to build on the initiatives we’ve taken by providing more resources for things people in the south may take for granted such as the affordability of nutritious food and other important necessities.” (more)

March 13, 2007
GOVERNMENTS INVEST $2-MILLION FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WINNIPEG

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — Low-income seniors in St. Vital will benefit from more than $2-million in funding to build a supportive housing and assisted living apartment block as part of the Riverside Lions Seniors Residences Inc. project. The project is made possible with funding support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI)
Today’s announcement was made by the Honourable Nancy Allan, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration, on behalf of the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing... (more)

March 10, 2007
NEW INTEGRATED HOUSING COMPLEX OPENS IN DAUPHIN

Dauphin, MB – A new housing complex, with 21 units providing emergency, long-term and transitional shelter apartments for Dauphin area residents, was officially opened today by Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Manitoba Conservation, on behalf of the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Manitoba Family Services and Housing. (more)

February 15, 2007
EXPERIENCED MENTORS TO WORK WITH AT-RISK YOUTH TO PREVENT SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

Young adults and youth who are making a better future for themselves after the trauma of being sexually exploited will soon help others who are at risk, through the Ndinawe Youth Care Worker Training Program, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“This marks a new beginning for young people and adults who are making a better life for themselves and doing it in a way that helps others,” Mackintosh said. “This program, the first of its kind in Canada, will support young people who are making positive changes in their lives, and it will help prevent others – especially youth who are vulnerable and at risk – from being exploited.” (more)

January 11, 2007
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES AUDITOR GENERAL'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON CHILD WELFARE AUTHORITIES, TAKES ACTION

Government Efforts Well Under Way To Enhance Child Welfare: Mackintosh
Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh and representatives of the province’s child welfare authorities today accepted the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General on the accountability framework that was in place in 2004 prior to the devolution of child welfare services to the four child and family services authorities.
Recommendations also stated the regulations of 1999, which require criminal record, child-abuse registry and other checks only when a person is first licensed as a foster parent or hired with unsupervised access to foster children, be amended so these checks are updated periodically. (more)

Items of Interest: 2006