Our seniors deserve more support
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This article was published 31/05/2021 (732 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Initiated by Canada’s Conservatives, the Parliamentary committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, has begun a study of the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian seniors.
As vice-chair of this committee, I am pleased Parliamentarians have the opportunity to hear from seniors’ advocacy organizations. These organizations are raising the alarm about the serious impacts that isolation caused by lockdowns is having on seniors across Canada.
I have spoken with many constituents who have experienced these challenges first-hand. Throughout the lockdowns, seniors have been socially isolated from family, friends and neighbours, faith communities, exercise and daily connections. Experts are telling us isolation is leading to devastating and measurable physical, mental, and emotional damage on our seniors living alone or in long-term care.
This has also been a challenging year financially for our seniors. The cost of living continues to increase substantially and inflation is growing above predicted levels. Seniors have repeatedly expressed to me how upset and frustrated they are that the Liberal budget only provides an increase in old age security payments for seniors 75 years of age and older by June 2022. Whether one is 75 or 65, the cost of rent, groceries and transportation is increasing.
Every senior has the right to live with dignity whether they are living independently or in a personal care home. I will continue to call for greater support for the well-being and financial security of Canada’s seniors. I was pleased to see organizations in Kildonan-St. Paul that offer supports for seniors receive funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program to employ additional staff to assist seniors.
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In closing, I want to recognize the graduating class of 2021. As a second COVID graduation approaches, I congratulate and commend our students.
This has been an incredibly challenging year and the commitment of students to finish their educations is a great accomplishment. I encourage all graduates to continue to learn, grow and share their gifts with our great country. I also want to thank the parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, and support and administration staff for supporting our students through the uncertainty and difficulties of this past year.
In recognition of the accomplishments of Grade 12 graduates in Kildonan-St. Paul I will once again provide, upon request, Canadian flags and certificates to our new graduates.
Please contact my office for additional details, supplies are limited. Please call our office at 204-984-6322.
Raquel Dancho
Kildonan-St. Paul constituency report
Raquel Dancho is the Conservative MP for Kildonan-St. Paul.