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September 2024 Message from Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt

As we transition into September and the last weeks of summer, I hope this message finds you well and ready for the changes that autumn brings. The Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) has had a busy summer connecting with stakeholders near and far, as well as making time to reflect on our work and plan the projects ahead.

In August, the OSA team took some time to define the office’s mission, vision and values as well as develop key goals that align with our mandate and set the course for the next few years. I would like to thank our office’s dedicated staff for their thoughtful contributions and I look forward to sharing the OSA’s refreshed strategic plan soon.

Last month, I traveled to Fredericton to meet with the Seniors Advocate of New Brunswick, Kelley Lamrock, and the Seniors Advocate of Newfoundland and Labrador, Susan Walsh. We discussed strategies for inter-provincial collaboration and aligning efforts for joint advocacy on seniors’ issues facing all Canadians.

The second week of September, OSA’s Council of Advisors meets in Victoria for one of their three annual meetings. Council members represent all five health authority regions and hail from communities across the province, from Fort St. John to Castlegar to Campbell River. This is an important opportunity to learn more about new and emerging seniors’ issues in their regions, as well as programs and services that are making a difference. The council is an incredible group of seniors who are engaged in their communities and passionate about improving the lives of fellow seniors. We will be welcoming ten new council members at this meeting and I am looking forward to learning more about them.

Also coming up the third week of the month, government representatives will be attending the 2024 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver. This is great opportunity to meet with local government officials and identify key policy issues related to seniors at the municipal and regional levels.

If you haven’t already, please take the time to read OSA’s 2023-24 Annual Report. The Report reflects back on the work of the office under Isobel Mackenzie’s leadership in her tenth year as B.C.’s first Seniors Advocate, challenging the status quo at every turn and asking the hard questions of decision-makers. 

There is much work planned in the year ahead and I am honoured to succeed her and build on the foundation she has established to carry her passion for seniors’ wellbeing into the future.

Yours Sincerely,

Dan Levitt
BC Seniors Advocate