Jocelyne Lahaye

The Office of the Seniors Advocate’s updated B.C. Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory notes a slight increase in funding but longer wait times for long-term care. The 2024 directory provides objective, standardized information on 431 publicly-subsidized long-term care and assisted living facilities in a searchable, online format. The directory, which is updated annually, is … Read More

The October issue of our monthly newsletter is available now! The OSA Update includes news and issues that matter to B.C. seniors: Read our newsletter Subscribe to our email list to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

VICTORIA – “Today, we recognize the countless ways seniors provide invaluable contributions to communities as volunteers, elected officials, workers, mentors, friends, parents and grandparents on the International Day of Older Persons and National Seniors Day in Canada. “People aged 65+ are the fastest-growing demographic group in B.C. By 2036, one in four British Columbians will … Read More

As we transition into September and the last weeks of summer, I hope this message finds you well and ready for the changes that autumn brings. The Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) has had a busy summer connecting with stakeholders near and far, as well as making time to reflect on our work and … Read More

Read the OSA 2022-2023 Annual Report for highlights of our activities in the past year and details about projects that are currently underway. Message from the BC Seniors Advocate The 2023/24 fiscal year has been one of transition for the Office of the Seniors Advocate as Canada’s first seniors advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, retired after setting … Read More

Seniors independent living residences are subject to the Residential Tenancy Act. This means that rent and/or service fee increases are capped each year. The maximum allowable annual rent increase for 2024 is 3.5%.  If your rent and/or service charges have increased more than this amount, call the Residential Tenancy Branch to report your concerns. For … Read More

“On July 4, my office released a report calling on the provincial government to enforce the rent and service cost protections in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) for seniors in independent living facing often exorbitant fee increases. “I am very pleased to have received written confirmation that the B.C. government agrees seniors independent living units … Read More

Heat warnings are in effect across the province and rising temperatures may put vulnerable seniors at risk. With higher temperatures expected, it is recommended that seniors take some additional precautions. Family, friends and neighbours are encouraged to check in on older people to ensure they are keeping cool and well hydrated. The dual focus during … Read More