Office of the Premier
The Province has appointed Dan Levitt as the new seniors advocate for British Columbia as government continues to support oversight and advocacy toward seniors care and the programs and services seniors need.
“Dan Levitt has championed the rights of seniors for 30 years and with his extensive experience he is an excellent choice for B.C.’s seniors advocate,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Isobel Mackenzie became the first seniors advocate in Canada and we thank her for being a powerful, impactful voice. With Mr. Levitt, government will continue to work collaboratively to help seniors throughout the province to live their healthiest, happiest lives.”
After an executive search led by the BC Public Service Agency, Levitt accepted the position and will succeed Isobel Mackenzie to become B.C.’s second seniors advocate when she retires on April 5, 2024.
“I greatly admire the work of Isobel Mackenzie, and I understand the advocacy needed to advance the rights of seniors and analyze the most pressing issues impacting their welfare,” said Levitt. “My goal is for every senior, their families and their caregivers to be able to exercise their agency to access the supports and services they need. As seniors advocate, I will work collaboratively with seniors, government officials and service providers to promote healthy aging.”
Levitt will head the Office of the Seniors Advocate, an independent office of the B.C. provincial government, which acts in the interest of seniors and their caregivers. The office monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues in five areas: health care; housing; income support; community support; and transportation.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as seniors advocate for the Province of B.C.,” said Mackenzie. “Our population is aging and seniors need the ability to live independently at home, knowing the programs and services to support them are easily accessible to everyone. As issues such as dementia, housing, and elder care become more complex, it’s crucial to advocate for strengthened seniors’ services throughout the province. I know Dan is ready to continue the cause and his efforts will make a difference in the lives of seniors for years to come.”
British Columbia has a robust network of organizations, regulatory bodies, appeal boards and tribunals that provide avenues that seniors, their families and caregivers can access to address individual concerns and complaints about seniors’ care and consumer services. The Office of the Seniors Advocate is a key component of this system of oversight and support, playing its part to address the broad systemic issues that affect large numbers of seniors.
“Seniors are at the heart of our communities and it’s crucial they have strong advocates who understand their needs and ensure they can access the programs and services they deserve,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services. “We thank Isobel Mackenzie for her important work and welcome Dan Levitt to his new post. We look forward to working with him as we continue to make a real difference to seniors, their families and their caregivers.”
The Province is committed to enhancing seniors’ well-being with actions that include providing approximately $2 billion over the past five years to expand and improve quality care for seniors, including investments in primary care, home health, long-term care and assisted living.
Learn More:
To read about the seniors advocate office, visit: https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/
To learn more about the B.C. Seniors’ Guide, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/about-seniorsbc/guide/bc-seniors-guide-12th-edition.pdf
A backgrounder follows.
