Here are some highlights of what CARP has been up to this month:

• “Fix Health Care Now” – CARP Campaign Calls On Politicians to Revamp Broken System: Everything Zoomer features our new advocacy campaign ‘Fix Health Care Now’, helping us launch as loudly as possible.
• CARP presented it’s Federal Budget Submission in Ottawa. Jana Ray, CARP’s Chief Membership and Benefits Officer presented to The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in Ottawa on Tuesday, February 4th regarding CARP’s Pre-Budget Submission in advance of the 2020 Budget.
• Bill VanGorder (CARP Board of Directors and CARP Nova Scotia) met with Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte in Wolfville, NS.

  Bill says the Minister spoke about several key points, including:

  • Providing $268 million to Nova Scotia over the next 10 years to fund home care, caregiver benefits and mental health initiatives
  • Pension protection in the workplace if a company goes bankrupt (but she did not say “super priority”)
  • The need to combat social isolation and promised to look into more money for rural transportation and internet accessibility in rural areas

Bill also spoke to her privately and emphasized the need for a National Pharmacare Program and a National Seniors Strategy. He reports that she was ”non-committal”

Bill also reported that “although she does not seem to have much background or experience working with seniors, I found the Minister to be outgoing, a good listener and she seemed interested in senior’s issues. She appears to be a good politician.  As for progress on seniors’ issues, time will tell.”

• All-party committee cautiously steps into property assessment cap debate: Bill VanGorder presented to an all-party committee considering phasing out a cap on annual increases to property assessments in Nova Scotia. The change would affect seniors, making homes less affordable for those on fixed incomes (especially when downsizing).

  Follow up story: More information needed before scrapping capped assessment system: committee

• ‘Keep the RCMP in Surrey’ petition: Ramona Kaptyn (CARP Board of Directors and President, CARP White Rock-Surrey Chapter) continues her fight against the Mayor of Surrey’s plans to replace the local RCMP presence and ban ride-sharing.
• CARP sets out wish list for DB pension protections in 2020 budget submission: CARP’s Ontario budget submission gains attention for its focus on pension protection.
• MD to speak on B.C.’s switch to biosimilar drugs at Coquitlam meeting: CARP’s North Fraser Chapter engaged their community in a conversation around the impact of biosimilar medications in B.C.
• Sarnia nursing home under scrutiny after unauthorized volunteer medicates residents: Marissa Lennox (Chief Policy Officer) comments on the story of an unauthorized person who was allowed to care for residents of a long-term care home for days before being caught.
• Report into how banks handle complaints expected this week: Marissa criticizes the delay in releasing a report by the FCAC (Federal Consumer Agency of Canada), examining the way banks handle customer complaints. Upon its release, she commented that, while the report didn’t offer any surprises, it reinforces CARP’s position that there should be one, unbiased body that handles customer complaints.
• Coalition for Cheaper Wireless Service’ argues for mandated low-cost plan: CARP sits on coalition advocating for a low-cost mobile plan for low-income individuals and seniors.