Current Issues

The first OSA Update of the year is available now! Our monthly newsletter includes resources and news about issues that matter to B.C. seniors: Read our newsletter Subscribe to our email list to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate Survey on Ageism is now closed. Please note that we will continue to accept survey responses that were sent to the office by mail and may have been delayed by the Canada Post strike. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The perspectives and experiences … Read More

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.