WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s government is planning to establish an advocate for seniors.

The advocate would be an independent office that would report to the legislature on a wide range of issues, including health care, safety and support services for seniors.

Uzoma Asagwara, the minister responsible for seniors, says the advocate would be able to investigate specific complaints as well as systemic issues.

The bill to establish the advocate’s office is one of many being delayed by the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, who have used procedural tactics to stall debate in the legislature.

The NDP government has a majority, so it can eventually pass the bills into law.

The Opposition delays mean the bills are unlikely to pass before the summer break and will continue to be debated in the fall.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press