This spring the Manitoba government introduced Bill 42 – The Caregiver Recognition Act which sets out general principles relating to caregivers and proclaims the first Tuesday of April in each year as Caregiver Recognition Day. Under the provision contained the legislation the government is to promote the general principles of quality of care and to consider them when developing, implementing, providing or evaluating caregiver supports.
Additionally, the Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister is to consult with caregivers and others, and may establish an advisory committee to provide advice. Every two years the minister is to provide a report on caregivers, which is to include an inventory of caregiver supports. The Alzheimer Society of Canada support the government’s commitment to caregiver support and sees this as a first steps towards improving care for Canadians with dementia. The Society encourages governments in all jurisdictions to consider adopting similar legislation.
