NDP Statement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day « Canada’s NDP
NDP Seniors Critic Rachel Blaney (North Island – Powell River) made the following statement:
“After working for decades to better their communities and country, older Canadians have more than earned the right to live in comfort and dignity. But, with the rising costs of groceries, rent, mortgages, and medications, many of our elderly loved ones find themselves living in increasingly vulnerable situations, especially those who are single.
Shockingly, ten per cent of older Canadians say they have experienced some form of abuse, and that number is only on the rise. Reports of elder abuse are up by 22 per cent over the last decade.
For seniors, there are many challenges and barriers that put them in extremely difficult situations – income insecurity, unaffordable housing, social isolation, and being single.
With an aging population, we need a real plan to keep our seniors safe. By 2036, one in four Canadians will be over 65, yet, after almost 8 years in power, Justin Trudeau and the Liberals have no plan to support our elderly loved ones.
To make matters worse, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives are suggesting action that would put seniors in a more vulnerable situation by slashing pensions and much-needed benefits. Canadians won’t forget that as a member of the Harper government, Pierre Poilievre supported raising the retirement age, making it even more difficult for hardworking Canadians to enjoy their golden years.
New Democrats know that this isn’t good enough. That’s why were fighting to improve benefits, not cut them.
That’s why the NDP has introduced policy to protect all Canadians’ pensions if companies declare bankruptcy. We’ve also been fighting to increase Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments, for truly affordable housing, so seniors aren’t renovicted by big, corporate landlords. We’re also working on getting pharmacare for all Canadians so seniors don’t have to skip their prescription drugs because they can’t afford the expense. We’re fighting to strengthen competition laws and put in place a windfall tax so huge grocery stores aren’t gouging Canadian seniors living on a fixed income.
New Democrat also used our power earlier this year to make sure all seniors can get their teeth fixed, without having to pay huge costs out of pocket.
We’re fighting for you because we know: when you can’t afford the cost of medicine, food and housing, it makes it even harder for seniors to get out of a bad situation.
Today and every day, we stand with seniors and those who are caregivers to seniors. Our parents and grandparents deserve to retire with dignity and live their lives feeling safe and respected.”