More Personal Care Home (PCH) spaces is the mandate for Morden/Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen.

"Our population is aging, our seniors need appropriate places to live when they require this level of health care," Friesen says. "So we have a lot of work to do to build those Personal Care Homes but we're well on our way."

Project proposals currently being reviewed include Salem Home's major expansion in Winkler. "It will be considered alongside others... We want to make sure we're building beds in the right place, and at the end of the day we know our communities are growing."

Friesen received the mandate from Premier Brian Pallister, outlining numerous goals as Health Minister. The Premier has also highlighted Social Impact Bonds, a concept that encourages partnerships with the private sector to fund projects outside of government, which if successful, is refunded by the government, "only if and when it's shown to work."

"It allows us to move more quickly to address issues," Friesen says. "It's a very interesting part of my mandate letter."

Proposals are also on Friesen's desk regarding the assisted living floor at the Buhler Active Living Centre that has sat vacant for many months. He notes discussions are on-going to find the best solution to provide the capacity "we all know we need in our community to make sure our seniors, as they require the care, are able to get care closer to where they live."