Policies - Aging and Older Persons

Foundational Policy
Aging and Older Persons – Foundation Policy

Approved: 28 May 2023

Whereas:

  • Older persons represent an essential part of our society’s fabric and vitality1;
  • Manitoba’s population of persons 65y or older is increasing, in 2023 comprising over 17% of Manitoba’s total population and anticipated to rise to at least 23% over the next 25 years2,3;
  • Our Indigenous elders have and share invaluable wisdom4;
  • The Climate Emergency impacts every aspect and segment of society, especially our most vulnerable populations including the elderly5;
  • The Green Party of Manitoba places a focus on upstream, proactive approaches to health and healthcare6; 
  • The United Nations General Assembly declared 2021-2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing7 ; and
  • The provincial government has recently released its Seniors Strategy8;

Be It Resolved:

The Green Party of Manitoba supports the following:

  • The position and status of elders in Manitoba be significantly improved by:
    • A multi-faceted approach, grounded in the wisdom of our Indigenous elders
    • Continually reviewing and implementing best practices from around the world
    • Emphasizing pro-active and upstream approaches
    • Deeply considering the full impact of the Climate Emergency in developing policies in this area; and
    • Monitoring progress in consultation with organizations, in and outside Manitoba, actively engaged with older persons;

References

  1. National Programmes for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: A Guide. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2023. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
  2. Demographic Profile of Older Manitobans, Manitoba Government, February 2023
  3. Facts on Aging: Demographics, University of Manitoba Centre on Aging.
  4. Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commision of Canada. Truth and Reconciliation Commision of Canada, 2015
  5. Synthesis Report of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, March 2023
  6. Health and Healthcare – Foundation Policy, Green Party of Manitoba, Revised April 2023
  7. UN Decade of Healthy Ageing: Plan of Action 2021-2030. United Nations, 2020.
  8. Manitoba, A Great Place to Age: Provincial Seniors Strategy. Manitoba Government, February 2023