The province created a seniors portfolio to add to its overall health sector of provincial ministry.

"We are committed to strengthening and realigning our health-care system to manage COVID-19 and to ensure Manitobans can access the care they need now and well into the future," says premier Stefanson. "We also recognize the need to enhance care for seniors and those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges, and as such, I am proud that our government will have three dedicated and compassionate people providing health leadership where it is most needed."

She welcomed Scott Johnston (MLA for Assiniboia) to the cabinet and announced that he will lead the new Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, "with a focused agenda to implement all recommendations of the Stevenson Review."

Scott Johnston minister of Department of Seniors and Long-term CareJoyce Dalmyn is chairperson of the Board of Portage Service for Seniors and says it's nice to see the premier appoint a minister who will give seniors a higher profile. She notes she hopes that will translate into more funding and recognition of the needs and financial burdens on seniors.

"We're cautiously optimistic," says Dalmyn. "Certainly, over the last year, we've had our funding cuts. We offer a variety of programs, everything transportation -- that is, if you're in need of a ride to Winnipeg, Boundary Trails, or Brandon for medical, dental or whatever treatment, and you don't have the means to get there yourself."

She notes drivers volunteer their time and have to be reimbursed for their gas and mileage, and someone ensures they have qualified and vaccinated drivers, noting all of that incurs much cost and had to be decreased due to cutbacks last year.

Dalmyn says she's hoping people become more aware that there are seniors, and that there are seniors who are not just living in care facilities, but are living independently in their homes trying to do the best they can to remain independent.

She explains the reason she feels the change was made on the provincial level, aside from the much lobbying that has taken place in the past.

"I would think that the main focus would be the unfortunate losses in the care homes and during the past year and a half of the pandemic," says Dalmyn. "I guess that was the real spark. I'm glad that it is not just focusing on care homes, but that it is covering seniors in general. Hopefully, there will be some very positive things to come out of what was a horrific situation for a lot of families."

Dalmyn adds they could always use the much-appreciated assistance of volunteers.

"We do want to thank the public for all of the projects donations in the fall and certainly thank everyone who contributed to Stockings for Seniors, which is another one of the initiatives that we do, which is just delivering stockings to seniors in need," adds Dalmyn.