Current Issues

The December 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 now to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

BC Seniors Advocate statement on Health Care Assistant Day – October 18, 2023 VICTORIA – “Today is Health Care Assistant Day in B.C and an opportunity to acknowledge the increasingly important role of these professionals in the well-being of seniors not only in our province but across the country. “Health care assistant is a broad … Read More

Wildfires are spreading in B.C. and some communities are under evacuation, evacuation alert or travel restrictions. Seniors can be more vulnerable to effects of wildfires and should take extra precautions at this time. Please monitor appropriate channels for the latest updates on wildfire activity and safety. Emergency Info BCFor the most current wildfire information including … Read More

Heat wave 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 and family, friends and neighbours are encouraged to check in on older people to ensure they are keeping cool and well hydrated. The dual … Read More

Following a comprehensive review of the province’s assisted living services, the BC Seniors Advocate is calling on government to address the current confusing legislative landscape to protect seniors from significant rent and service fee increases, improve oversight and reporting, and address affordability challenges. Read the news releaseRead the full reportView the live stream presentationView the … Read More

BC Senior Advocate Isobel Mackenzie and Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin launched B.C. Seniors’ Week with a garden party at Government House to honour local senior volunteers on Monday. “Every day, seniors in this province give of their time and immense talents to make our communities better places to live. Whether it is delivering meals, raising … Read More

BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is urging senior homeowners struggling with the rising costs of living and aging to consider deferring their 2023 property taxes. The BC Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners 55+ to defer all or some of their annual property taxes. The Province pays the tax to the local government on behalf … Read More

BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie will be connecting in person with seniors, loved ones, organizations and local government staff, mayors and councillors throughout B.C. during Seniors Week 2023. Learn more about public town halls being held in several communities June 5-11.

BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie has advised government that she will retire on March 31, 2024, and to begin the process of finding her successor. “While I could happily continue this richly rewarding work forever, I am aware that I cannot and should not go on indefinitely. With this in mind, I advised the Minister … Read More

BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie will be visiting communities in northern B.C. from May 1 to 5, 2023. Join her to discuss seniors’ issues at town halls in Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert. Seniors, their loved ones and others who live in north-western B.C. are invited to share what is working … Read More