Liberals pledge $45M for home accessibility upgrades for seniors, expanded drug coverage

The Manitoba Liberal Party says it would spend $45 million to create a grant program for home accessibility upgrades and restore a drugs program.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said $15 million in grants would be available forhome retrofits for things such as wheelchair ramps and other accessibility facelifts to help seniors age in place longer.

Another $30 million would go toward adrugs program cancelled by the Progressive Conservatives,Lamont said.It would be expanded to include coverage for CPAP machines for sleep apnea, diabetes medications such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors, as well as funds for drugs for cystic fibrosis and other conditions, Lamont said.

Lamont said the announcements would help seniors he hasheard from while door knocking who are struggling with the costof living.

"Things have really changed," Lamont said at a campaign announcement at Simkin Park, situated in The Maples riding.

"It was honestly heartbreaking. I talked to two seniors who couldn't afford their groceries. People's pensions are running out and rents are going up, and this is really important stuff.This is the hard stuff."

Lamont said the party would provide "thank you" bonuses to home care workers, and better sick pay and benefits to help retain and attract those workers.

The Liberals would also expand home care and palliative care programs to ensure that people can continue to receive treatments to ease symptoms even when they're in palliative care.

"This is humane. It helps keep people out of ER and hospitals and actually, in the end, it's an example of how treating people better saves you money," said Lamont.

Cindy Lamoureux, the Liberal incumbent running for re-election in Tyndall Park, accused consecutive PC and NDP governments of "neglecting the North End." She suggested Seven Oaks Hospital is being underutilized since its emergency room was shuttered and people in the community are being affected.

"I am exceptionally proud to be part of a party who cares about our North End," she said. "While we know the state of health care is not going to change overnight, we are committing to hiring, better recognizing and better retaining health-care professionals in addition to making hospitals truly community focused."

The provincial election is Oct. 3. Advancepolls open Saturday.

CBC Manitoba is hosting a leadership debate Thursday that airs at 6 p.m. on CBC TV, CBC Radio and online.

More from CBC Manitoba:

• Read full coverage of the 2023 Manitoba election here