SIDNEY, B.C. — According to Statistics Canada, the number of seniors will soon exceed the number of children aged 14 and younger for the first time ever. By 2036, Canada’s senior population could be close to 11 million.
“It is our duty to care for seniors,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “It’s unconscionable that so many seniors are living below the poverty line, many having to make heartbreaking choices between food, medicine or rent. A Green government will bring in a Guaranteed Livable Income. We’ll ensure that universal Pharmacare, better public transportation, home retrofits, and affordable housing are priorities. These initiatives will help to enhance the quality of life for Canadian seniors.”
Thunder Bay-Superior North Green Party candidate Bruce Hyer says, “We got medicare and Canada Pension when Lester Pearson was forced into it by Tommy Douglas in a minority Government. It appears that we headed for a minority Liberal government again, with enough NDP and Green MPs to force the Liberals to keep their campaign promises and ensure that seniors have the respect and rights and comforts that they have earned and deserve.”
Amanda Moddejonge, the Green Party candidate in Thunder Bay-Rainy River comments, “The green plan including the guaranteed liveable income and more access to medical and mental health services will make a tremendous difference in Thunder Bay- Rainy River.”
The Green Party Platform will also ensure that the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) remains robust and adaptive to changing needs and circumstances by increasing over time the target income replacement rate from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of income received during working years.
Greens will also protect private pensions by amending the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act to establish the preeminence of pensioners and the pension plan in the creditor hierarchy during company insolvency proceedings.
Ms. May noted that within 25 years, the number of Canadians living with a form of dementia could reach 1.3 million, imposing the highest economic, social, and health costs of all diseases.
“We have to be proactive with regard to diseases like dementia and Alzheimers. Greens will develop and fund a national dementia strategy. This will support research and improve the quality of life not just for patients, but for caregivers as well. We need to educate the public and increase awareness about this disease so we can reduce the stigma currently surrounding it.”
A Green government will amend the Medical Assistance in Dying legislation to ensure that everyone has the option to die with dignity. This includes allowing advance directives and guaranteeing the right to draw up a “living will” that gives individuals the power to limit or refuse medical intervention and treatment.
“An essential outcome of the social contract between government and citizens is to make sure people can live fulfilling and dignified lives in their senior years. Greens will make sure that this happens,” concluded Ms. May.
