Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

“New Democrats join their voices with those of provinces and territories—and other countries around the world—who will mark World Elder Awareness Day.

The NDP has long demonstrated its commitment to offering seniors the best possible quality of life so that they may grow older with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Unfortunately, poor treatment of seniors continues on many levels—financial, physical and intellectual—and we share a responsibility to stop it. As we move forward, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of those organizations that work so hard to end elder abuse and negligence.

Let me also share a special thought for CARP founder Lillian Morgenthau, who died last Thursday. She founded this visionary organization nearly 30 years ago, long before we devoted such collective attention to the protection and well-being of seniors. Her vision helped to raise public awareness about the issues seniors face and to encourage social progress so seniors may live without fear of discrimination. We must continue on this path and do even more to prevent seniors from becoming victims of abuse.

New Democrats believe that by reinforcing—not cutting—programs and services for seniors that have proved successful, they will be stronger, healthier, and more confident as they live out their lives.

We are all responsible for seniors’ safety and well-being. The NDP will continue to propose solutions to make their lives better.”