Current Issues

Dear Ministers Freeland and MacKinnon, Thank you for all your work on behalf of Canadian seniors in your role as federal cabinet ministers. As provincial seniors’ advocates, we write to you with a shared interest to improve the lives of seniors in our provinces and across Canada. We want to ensure older adults’ voices are … Read More

In November, my office launched a survey to find out more about ageism in B.C. and hear first hand about how age discrimination is impacting people in our province, particularly seniors. As the number of seniors in B.C. increases, it is more important than ever to examine the issue of age discrimination and how it … Read More

Scams typically ramp up during the holiday season, as fraudsters take advantage of opportunities presented by the increased flurry of activity, spending and fundraising campaigns. People of all ages can be victims of fraud. In fact, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Agency reports that Canadians have lost more than $500 million to fraud so far in 2024. … Read More

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

Often referred to as the last socially-acceptable form of prejudice, ageism is discriminating against someone based on their age. Older people are often the targets of inaccurate and negative stereotypes about ageing. Read the BC Seniors Advocate’s statement on Ageism Awareness Day.

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

VICTORIA – BC’s Seniors Advocate is urging the next provincial government to develop and implement a cross-ministry strategy and action plan to strengthen supports and services for seniors throughout the province. “The Province needs a concrete plan with targets and performance measures that define how government will meet the needs of the growing seniors’ population … Read More