As the October 19, 2024, British Columbia provincial election approaches, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is ensuring that seniors’ issues are front and center. Representing over 20,000 members across the province, CARP has identified five critical issues that need immediate attention, known as the “BC CARP 5.” These priorities reflect the pressing concerns of older adults in BC, and CARP is committed to holding political leaders accountable for addressing them.

In preparation for the election, CARP BC sent letters to the leaders of the BC NDP, BC Conservatives, and BC Greens, requesting their positions on the BC CARP 5. Here’s what we’ve heard so far—and what we haven’t.

The BC CARP 5: What Seniors Need Now

1. Free Access to the Latest Expert-Recommended Vaccines for Seniors CARP BC’s first demand is for all seniors to have free access to key vaccines, including high-dose flu shots and the shingles vaccine. The BC NDP has responded by confirming free high-dose flu vaccines, and Premier David Eby’s office indicated they are considering expanding shingles vaccine eligibility based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).The BC Conservatives, through candidate Trevor Halford, have gone a step further by committing to free vaccines for all seniors, including the shingles vaccine, if elected. This clear position aligns directly with CARP’s demands.However, the BC Greens have yet to directly respond to CARP’s inquiry on this issue. While their website suggests support for free vaccines, the lack of a clear, direct commitment from their party raises concerns about the depth of their commitment to this priority.
2. Tackle the Health Care Worker Shortage Addressing the health care worker shortage is critical for ensuring that seniors receive timely and adequate care. The BC NDP has outlined substantial progress in this area, including the hiring of over 6,300 new nurses and 800 family doctors in the past year. Their plan also includes fast-tracking the licensing process for internationally trained professionals and adding more physician assistants.The BC Conservatives have expressed similar intentions, with plans to fast-track foreign-trained health professionals and reduce red tape. However, while their platform reflects this intention, further details on implementation timelines would be helpful.The BC Greens propose an innovative “Dogwood Model,” which would create community health centres in every riding to improve access to primary care. They’ve also committed to addressing rural health care shortages. However, with no direct response to CARP’s inquiry, there’s uncertainty around how quickly or effectively these plans would roll out, particularly for seniors needing immediate solutions.
3. Fund Better Home Care Seniors need better home care options to maintain their independence and age in place. The BC NDP has pledged to add 900 new home care providers over the next three years and expand services through the Better at Home program. They’ve also increased the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) housing supplement by 66%, helping more seniors afford to stay in their homes.The BC Conservatives have taken a more direct approach, promising to eliminate user fees for home care services and reduce long-term care costs by promoting home care as an alternative. This would be a significant improvement for seniors, but specific timelines are still unclear.The BC Greens have committed to improving home care, particularly in rural areas, through a dedicated Rural Seniors Home and Community Care Strategy. However, like their response on other issues, the absence of a direct reply to CARP’s requests leaves some uncertainty about how quickly they would act on this issue.
4. Provide Tax Relief to Caregivers and for Home Adaptations Family caregivers often bear a heavy burden, both financially and emotionally, when caring for their loved ones. The BC NDP has expanded funding for caregiver support programs and home adaptation rebates, offering financial relief for those who need to make their homes more accessible.The BC Conservatives have proposed doubling the home renovation tax credit, which would make necessary adaptations more affordable. They’ve also pledged to expand respite care and caregiver training to reduce burnout, aligning closely with CARP’s recommendations.The BC Greens have gone further, proposing to increase the scope of the Home Improvement Assistance Program, offering up to $20,000 per home for modifications. This ambitious plan could make a huge difference, but without a direct response, seniors are left wondering when and how these changes would be implemented.
5. Reduce Transit Fares for Seniors Accessible and affordable transportation is essential for seniors to maintain their independence. The BC NDP has made strides with discounted bus passes for low-income seniors and free ferry rides between Monday and Thursday. They’ve also expanded HandyDART services, crucial for seniors with mobility issues.The BC Conservatives have promised to expand HandyDART services in areas of greatest need and enforce service standards to ensure seniors can rely on affordable, accessible transportation.The BC Greens, in a bold move, have proposed free public transit for all British Columbians. While this is an ambitious and inclusive plan, seniors are left wondering whether this promise would be realized in the short term, given the lack of direct engagement with CARP on this issue.

What Have We Heard?

To date, the BC NDP has been the most responsive, providing detailed plans and timelines that address many of the BC CARP 5 priorities. Premier Eby’s office has demonstrated a willingness to engage with CARP, and while some areas—like expanding shingles vaccine access—are still under review, the overall response has been encouraging.

The BC Conservatives have shown strong alignment with many of CARP’s priorities, particularly around free vaccines, home care, and caregiver support. However, their responses have lacked the specificity that seniors need to feel confident in their ability to deliver on these promises.

Unfortunately, the BC Greens have not directly responded to CARP’s requests for comment, despite having a platform that addresses many of the issues important to seniors. While their plans are ambitious, their lack of engagement leaves a gap in trust and accountability.

The Time for Action is Now

As we approach election day, CARP urges all seniors and their families to make their voices heard. The BC CARP 5 represent vital issues that affect the health, safety, and financial security of older adults across the province. If these issues matter to you, now is the time to act.

CARP is calling on all voters to engage with the candidates in their ridings, demand clear commitments to the BC CARP 5, and vote with seniors’ issues in mind. This election is an opportunity to make real change, but it requires action from all of us.

Join CARP today and become part of the movement for positive change in BC. Together, we can hold politicians accountable and ensure that seniors in BC get the support and respect they deserve.