Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors Michelle Stilwell issued the following statement in recognition of National Seniors Day:

“Seniors are a vital part of our community – they are family members, friends, neighbours and citizens who contribute enormously to our society. They bring a wealth of knowledge, history and perspective to our lives. National Seniors Day is a perfect time for British Columbians to recognize those who have helped to build our province.

“Currently, almost one-sixth of B.C.’s population is over 65 years old. The number of seniors is expected to almost double, from over 700,000 in 2013 to an estimated 1,430,000 over the next 20 years. With British Columbians living longer, all levels of government are working hard to adapt, plan ahead and take significant steps to prepare for this demographic shift.

“Our government has appointed Canada’s first seniors advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. She is a strong, independent voice for British Columbia’s seniors. In her role as seniors advocate she is working to identify solutions to systemic issues and make recommendations to government on ways to improve care for our aging population.

“We know it will take a collaborative effort to continue to address the complex needs of our aging population and we are committed to working with health authorities, community stakeholders, the seniors advocate, patients and their families to ensure seniors in B.C. receive the best possible care.

“Through consultation with seniors and collaboration with local governments and community groups, the Province continues to invest in innovative and unique programs such as the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, Better at Home, managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland, and the Age-friendly Community Planning and Project Grant program administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

“As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors, I have been hearing from seniors on a variety of topics and look forward to continuing the conversation; the voice and perspective of seniors is valued in our province.”

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)