VICTORIA – New Democrat seniors’ critic Katrine Conroy has re-introduced the Representative for Seniors Act, a stronger and independent seniors advocate bill that would provide real solutions for B.C. seniors.

“In order to address the serious issues facing seniors such as elder abuse, neglect and poor treatment at residential facilities, a comprehensive plan is an absolute necessity,” said Conroy. “New Democrats are taking positive steps towards creating an independent seniors’ advocate that would represent seniors in our province more thoroughly than under the Liberals proposed legislation.”

This is the third time New Democrats have tabled such a bill. In 2007 and 2011 the government refused to support a bill which would have created an independent officer to advocate on behalf of seniors.

Unlike the Liberals’ proposed plan, the New Democrats’ Representative for Seniors Act would allow an independent representative to advocate on behalf of individual seniors – a crucial amendment that would provide seniors with access to a much-needed complaint process.

Speaking during debate on the Liberals’ watered-down seniors’ advocate bill in the legislature on Tuesday, Conroy expressed concern over the government’s record on seniors care.

“The Ombudsperson’s findings indicate that the Ministry of Health has, in many cases, failed to fulfil its leadership role for seniors care in our province. Given that there is little evidence in the 2013 budget to suggest our government intends to take serious actions on seniors care, we’re concerned that one advocate that is tied to government cannot fill the gap.”

“After the thorough consultation that’s already been done with community and stakeholder organizations, families, and seniors themselves, I’m confident that British Columbians would be better served by New Democrats’ plan for an independent seniors’ advocate.”

Adrian Dix and B.C.’s New Democrats are offering change for the better, one practical step at a time.

A copy of New Democrats’ Representative for Seniors Act is included below.

Attachment: 2013-03-13_representative_for_seniors_act_2013.pdf