PPCO Updates

April 2001 – The Protection for Persons in Care Act is created.

May 2001 – The Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) is established.

October 2021 – In response to allegations of abuse or neglect in personal care homes, the Auditor General begins to investigate the work of the PPCO.

May 2023 – Bill 23 receives Royal Assent. Changes to The Protection for Persons in Care Act broaden and clarify the definitions of abuse and neglect used to direct investigations. The new definitions have yet to be proclaimed and take effect.

July 2023 – Manitoba’s Auditor General releases its report titled, Investigation of the Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO)

July 2023 – The government commits to disbanding the PPCO in its current form, creating a new, independent body that reports to the Legislative Assembly, and appoints an investigative lead to examine past files handled by the PPCO.

November 2023 – PPCO implemented an intake process to include a dedicated intake function that will involve reviewing and assessing all new referrals to determine if further investigation is required. Separating the intake and investigation functions provides investigators with the time and ability to focus solely on completing investigations and meeting the PPCO’s newly-established timelines.

November 2023 – PPCO’s referral form is updated to be more user-friendly. These changes include pre-populated questions based on the type of reporter (i.e. family, community or facility staff), a hover ability to display definitions within the questions, and a pop-up screen acknowledging the report was successfully submitted.

Upcoming and Ongoing

As announced in July 2023, there are plans to create an independent investigative office that reports to the Legislative Assembly. The new office will provide greater accountability and transparency to members of the public, with full powers of investigation and reporting.

Please check back regularly for updates.