Current Issues

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. https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/app/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/OSA-Annual-Report-2023_24_FINAL.pdf 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 … 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

The July 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.

Last month I had the privilege of celebrating my first BC Seniors’ Week as the Seniors Advocate. I attended several amazing events in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Northern B.C. and was heartened to see the ways that people came together to honour the seniors who are the backbone of their communities. I was … Read More

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Abuse of elderly people is one of the most underreported crimes in Canada, and the World Health Organization has estimated one in every six seniors over the age of 60 experiences abuse or neglect. June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day in B.C. and around the globe, … Read More

VICTORIA – “Since becoming B.C.’s second Seniors Advocate in March, I’ve been travelling throughout the province and had the privilege of meeting with hundreds of seniors in both rural and urban communities. I’ve been amazed at the amount of volunteerism and support seniors provide for other seniors. “Whether it’s cooking and delivering meals, driving to … Read More

VICTORIA – “Since becoming B.C.’s seniors advocate in March 2024, I’ve been travelling the province meeting with seniors in communities big and small. Overwhelmingly, the number one issue I’ve heard from older people is their struggle with affordability. “In B.C., 80% of seniors own their own homes, compared to 70% of the overall population. The … Read More