Seniors Consultation with MLA Jodie Byram: A Community Dialogue in Neepawa

A Seniors Consultation with MLA Jodie Byram took place at the Yellowhead Manor in Neepawa, on September 20, 2024, organized by Home Assistance Neepawa and District (HAND) in collaboration with Neepawa Access TV.

Liway Cabrera – Local Journalism Initiative

Jodie Byram, MLA for Agassiz, introduced herself and her roles and responsibilities as an MLA. “I was elected last October and once elected I was appointed to be the critique for Labor and Immigration and Workers Compensation Board. I am also the Deputy Caucus Chair, that’s another role I have in there and I’m on the Regulations and Legislation Committee as well. So having some of those responsibilities adds a little bit more to ones plate, I guess. So it’s a bit of a balancing act between the roles and responsibilities there and then your constituents as well. And I’m working to or continue to work to find that balance” said Byram.

Lyle Watson, the moderator of the forum, highlighted the participation of local seniors, representatives from various organizations, and officials from the Town of Neepawa. The forum served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and discuss key issues affecting the community.  A significant concern raised was the lack of public transportation options to other cities, particularly for family visits and medical appointments.

One of the attendees mentioned about the recent cessation of an affordable bus service to Winnipeg that has left many seniors without reliable transportation.  “I’m actually from Winnipeg. My name is Sonia and I’m here with my mother Isabel who resides in Neepawa. I’m a Senior, 69 and my mom is 94 and she’s still living independently in a 55+ with support from Home Care currently, just started. But the concern that I have has to do with travel between Winnipeg, my home and Neepawa, my mom’s home. And basically I’m her support now and I’d like to see her stay in the community. The concern that I have relates to the fact that two weeks ago, Friday, the bus service that we had going between Winnipeg and Flin Flon went out of business. And one of the concerns that was related to that is the fact that there was very little notice. Like basically we just heard it on the news about a week prior.”

She added as well that “What I’m describing for mom and me is on a personal level but there’s also, there is this medical side of things as well. Basically transportation from the northern to the City for medical care, for medical tests, for on-going consults. And I think  that’s where this bus route has a role to play, so there’s that as well.”

In addition to the Transporation issue, the Handi-Van Transit, is currently facing financial challenges, which will further limit accessible transportation for the community if not given proper funding from the Provincial Government. John Pottinger, Handi-Van Board Chair was present in the forum and shared the current status of the Neepawa Handi-Van. “We are not doing great financially and our funding has been the same since it started.  We are still at $30,000 a year for our grant money. So we are looking at seeing an increase. HAND got an increase from the Provincial Government and their discussing the possibility of us getting an increase. But just the way the format is set up, it’s really hard to cover our costs. By the time we are done, you have to have your audit which is $3500, your safety on your vehicles every year which is definitely a need anyway... Then, if we are not covering costs, we have to start increasing our costs because to cover our contract person that does our Handi-Van. So basically our Board is made up of the Town of Neepawa and three surrounding municipalities- Glanella-Landsdowne, North Cypress-Langford and Rosedale.” said Pottinger.  

Additionally, accessibility issues related to sidewalks were raised, particularly regarding broken areas that pose safety risks for seniors. The Town of Neepawa has acknowledged these concerns and has indicated a commitment to addressing them. However, officials noted that while planning is underway, there is still significant work to be done, especially concerning budget allocations. Ensuring safe and accessible sidewalks will require both thoughtful planning and adequate funding to implement necessary repairs and improvements.

Despite a lower turnout at the forum, the concerns shared were valuable, and MLA Byram assured attendees that she would bring these issues to the attention of the Legislative Assembly. This event marks a hopeful step towards fostering ongoing dialogue between seniors and their elected representatives, encouraging future consultations to address their needs effectively.