NDP Reject Property Tax Relief for Manitoba Personal Care Homes
WINNIPEG — The Kinew government today blocked Progressive Conservative legislation that would redirect funding to front-line care for Manitoba seniors.
Bill 233, The Municipal Assessment Act, was introduced by Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Seniors and Long-term Care, to increase property tax exemptions for personal care homes (PCHs) and other seniors’ housing in Manitoba.
“Personal care homes are under pressure, and this was a practical step to ease that burden,” said Cook. “Outdated tax rules are forcing facilities to face costs that no longer reflect today’s reality. Today’s PCHs are often large, modern facilities that serve hundreds of people and take up many hectares of land. Updating the exemption would have freed up resources for frontline care.”
The bill would have reflected the evolving needs of older adults and the systems that care for them.
Manitoba’s 124 licensed PCHs—most of which are publicly-owned or operated by non-profit and faith-based organizations—are navigating rising operating costs, including higher food prices, utilities, and wages. Increasing the property tax exemption would allow facilities to reinvest in critical areas such as staffing, infrastructure, food, and resident programming.
Under the proposed changes, savings could have been redirected toward:
- recruiting and retaining staff;
- improving and modernizing facilities;
- expanding care services and programming;
- enhancing recreation and therapeutic supports; and/or
- strengthening infection prevention and emergency readiness.
With nearly one in five Manitobans now over the age of 65—and a growing population over 85—demand for long-term care continues to climb. Targeted financial relief would help ensure facilities can keep pace without compromising care quality.
“Bill 233 would’ve helped care homes focus their resources where they matter most: on residents,” added Cook. “Other provinces are recognizing the need to modernize how these facilities are supported. Manitoba should be doing the same.”
“Supporting seniors should never be a partisan issue. Personal care homes are essential to communities across Manitoba. They support families, employ local workers, and provide compassionate care every day.
“It’s disappointing to see the Kinew government turn down an opportunity to provide them with meaningful relief.”
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