Current Issues

“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

The May 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 mentioned I have been touring the province to meet with seniors and hear their ideas for improving programs and services as well as learning first hand about the challenges and issues they’re facing. I have been to Port Hardy, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Abbotsford, Pemberton, Chase, Pender Island and many communities in between. … Read More

Since I joined the office in March, my priority has been to meet with seniors, service providers and others throughout the province. I am spending most of April on the road in urban and rural areas hearing firsthand about the issues and challenges facing seniors and their ideas for improving programs, supports and services. Working … Read More