New Democrats host seniors roundtable

OTTAWA – Official Opposition critic for Seniors, Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe) and Deputy Critic Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds-Dollard) hosted a roundtable discussion on seniors today. Both were thrilled with the attendance and participation of the people attending on issues like seniors’ health care, housing and pension security.

“The response from organizations clearly shows there are many important challenges facing seniors today,” said Mathyssen. ”We heard some really wonderful ideas about how to address the challenges many seniors face in Canada.”

This is the third roundtable that Mathyssen and Blanchette-Lamothe have hosted, the first two being in Toronto and Montreal.

“It’s really been helpful to hear concerns that come straight from those working on the ground,” said Blanchette-Lamothe. “Many seniors are living in poverty with inadequate access to health care and in isolation. This kind of treatment of our seniors is deplorable.”

The discussion at today’s roundtable focussed on the need for national pharmacare plan, the challenges facing immigrant seniors, the access to affordable housing as well as the need to strengthening our pension system.

Seniors represent one of the fastest growing populations in Canada today. The number of seniors in Canada is projected to increase from 4.2 million to 9.8 million between 2005 and 2036.

“Issues facing seniors are only going to intensify as more Canadians reach their senior years,” said Mathyssen. “Action now is critical – we need a plan in place, we need the structures in place to deal with this dramatic shift in our country’s demographics.”

“Canadian seniors built our country and add much value to our communities. We must remember they have needs – and we all have a responsibility to help,” said Blanchette-Lamonthe.

Mathyssen and Blanchette-Lamothe will use the feedback they receive through these roundtables to develop a National Strategy on Aging.