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By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Be a voice for seniors in your community

May 23, 2019 | 10:32 AM

IN MY LAST COLUMN, I talked about some of the issues of importance to young people who are in the midst of graduating, finding work, starting families and making a positive impact on our society. This time around, I’d like to focus on the needs of our seniors who have contributed so much to our Interior communities.

I recently held a series of Spring Tea and Town Hall events with seniors in communities throughout my riding of Fraser-Nicola. Despite the diversity of the people and issues that comprise this large constituency, there were many common threads of concern.

Affordability was a key issue in each of the communities, from Clinton to Hope and points in between. Most reported a need for affordable seniors housing that is appropriate for different stages of aging. Seniors may want to downsize but they also want to remain in the community they’ve called home all their lives, staying close to loved ones and to familiar supports. It’s important that they have access to these resources where they are.

Many seniors are also concerned about how they will afford to pay their bills as pensions are not increasing at the same rate as housing, utilities, food and transportation. It was heartbreaking to hear some seniors in Lytton go to bed cold because they can’t afford the hydro bill. I also learned that half of the people who use the Lytton food bank are seniors. They are clearly struggling with basic necessities and comforts that most of us take for granted.

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Seniors are also dissatisfied with the requirement for medical exams every two years after the age of 80, regardless of driving record or other factors. This unfairly impacts seniors living in rural areas where alternate transportation options are not readily available. The cost for these tests is also inconsistent and an added burden on those who are on fixed incomes.

So what can we do to help our seniors age in place, access appropriate supports and enjoy what should be a peaceful time in their lives— especially considering how much they have given to our communities and economy?

I encourage all seniors, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, to make their voices heard by participating in the 2020 B.C. budget consultation process. Held each year by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, it gives British Columbians the opportunity to share their ideas and priorities by speaking with Committee members at a public hearing, either in-person or via teleconference; by making a written, audio or video submission; or by completing an online survey.

The nearest public hearing will be held in Kamloops on June 12, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Alpine Room at TRU’s Conference Centre. Online registration opens Monday, May 27 at 9:00 a.m., and teleconference opportunities can be requested by calling the Parliamentary Committees Office 250-356-2933 or toll-free at 1-877-428-8337.

The opportunity to make a written, audio or video submission or complete the online survey will be available beginning June 3, 2019 in conjunction with the release of the budget consultation paper. The deadline for all input is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28.

For more information, please visit the Budget 2020 website or contact the Parliamentary Committees Office at the aforementioned number.

I encourage everyone in our Interior communities to have their say on how we can make life better for our valued seniors.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.