Statement from the NDP on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

NDP Seniors critic Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe) made the following statement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

“Today is a day that we honour seniors everywhere as we recognize that too many find themselves victims of mistreatment. We must work together to end elder abuse.

As the seniors’ critic, I am proud that the NDP is committed to helping seniors. The number of seniors in Canada is expected to double in the next 25 years, with varied needs from home and community support to long term care. Despite this, we are still not doing all we can to give these men and women the support they need. Services for seniors are not luxuries; they should be high-quality and fully accessible regardless of where people live and what their income may be.

On June 3rd, the NDP held a seniors round table and we discussed our proposed strategy for assisting seniors in Canada. The most effective way to alleviate poverty for seniors has proven to be through programs like the Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The OAS-GIS is easily sustainable, and in the long run it is actually projected to decrease in cost, relative to the size of the economy. Through expanding, rather than cutting, programs for seniors, we can ensure that they are able to lead happy, healthy, and comfortable lives.

By working together, we can ensure that seniors are looked after and treated with the respect they deserve.”