May 2024 Message from Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt

Last month I mentioned I have been touring the province to meet with seniors and hear their ideas for improving programs and services as well as learning first hand about the challenges and issues they’re facing. I have been to Port Hardy, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Abbotsford, Pemberton, Chase, Pender Island and many communities in between.

I am extremely grateful to everyone who came to meet with me and share their experiences. Their stories have been both inspiring and heartbreaking. I’ve heard about the vast amount of volunteerism that takes place throughout B.C. by seniors, for seniors. I’ve also heard from seniors who are struggling with the cost of living and finding it getting harder and harder to afford food, rent and other essentials on a fixed income.

I also want to recognize our ‘rock star’ council of advisor members who hosted me in several communities and helped organize meetings with seniors who are both providing services and are clients receiving services. Their grassroots knowledge of what seniors need and how supports are being provided, or not, locally has been invaluable.

Now, I am working with staff at our office to compile what we’ve learned into a report that will define the challenges seniors are facing today throughout our province, as well as include many of their ideas for improvement. These insights will form the basis for not only this report, but the areas of focus for our office for the next several years.

Thank you again to everyone who helped organize meetings throughout the province, as well as those who took the time to meet and share their stories with the aim of improving the lives of seniors in B.C.

Sincerely,

Dan Levitt
BC Seniors Advocate