• Find contact info for your local MLA

VICTORIA – Ten public consultations will take place throughout the province in the coming weeks as one of the ways seniors, their families, service providers, and other organizations can help shape the future role of a seniors advocate.To register to attend one of the public meetings in person, people can phone 1 855 356-9614 or email: [email protected]

There will be a public forum in the afternoon of Friday June 1, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Cloverdale, 17530 – 64th Ave. Surrey

People unable to attend a consultation can still have their say on the role of an advocate until the end of July by emailing or writing. This input will help define options for the role and function of the Office of the Seniors Advocate, including how the office could collaborate with existing organizations.

“Through the seniors action plan, we are changing the way seniors access and receive care throughout B.C.,” said Health Minister Michael de Jong, who kicked off the public consultations in Victoria. “But we cannot move forward without consulting the groups most affected, seniors and their families. We are listening to what British Columbians want from a seniors advocate.”

The commitment to establish an Office of the Seniors Advocate is a key component of the Province’s seniors action plan that was announced on Feb. 14, 2012. An advocate supports the commitment in that plan to ensure a more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors care.

“It is important that the role of the seniors advocate be determined not just by government, but by seniors and their families, as well as caregivers and service providers,” added Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health Ron Cantelon. “That is why engaging the public to help develop the Office of the Seniors Advocate is so important.”

CARP will be there…