Statement from Official Opposition Seniors critic Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds--Dollard), on a National Seniors Strategy

New Democrats support PEI Premier Ghiz’s call for a long-overdue National Seniors Strategy. The Conservatives’ inaction on this file is irresponsible. They have no comprehensive plan for seniors, who now form the fastest-growing segment of our population.

Instead, the Conservatives have made conditions worse for Canadian seniors by recklessly cutting vital programs such as Old Age Security and health care. They’ve even backtracked on plans to expand and strengthen the CPP/QPP—plans supported by eight out of ten provinces, including PEI.

Canada needs a National Seniors Strategy that is forward-thinking and inclusive, and that addresses the following key areas:

• improve income security by restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security to 65;
• expand public health care so everyone has the access they need;
• offer concrete support for caregivers and families;
• ensure access to affordable housing; and
• build a more inclusive society where the needs of vulnerable seniors are met.