Mr. Speaker, as the Canadian population ages and our older adults, along with our systems, face new challenges as a result, we need to be innovative and bold. My constituent, Beverly Suek, is both those things. When her husband passed away, Beverly faced the common challenge of loneliness, but she did not stay still. Beverly purchased a house, wrote up a questionnaire for prospective residents and shared on social media her plans for an idea that could help others like her.
The Women's Housing Initiative Manitoba is a co-operative home to six women ranging in age from 60 to 80. They share responsibilities, and most importantly, they look out for one another. This initiative, aside from saving health care and housing costs, is proof that aging in place in community reduces isolation and strengthens independence. There are lessons here for governments across the country to take note of.
I thank Beverly for showing us how innovation, community spirit and determination can help older adults age with dignity. Growing older should never mean growing alone.