With British Columbians heading to the polls by Oct. 19, Federal Retirees sees an opportunity to create a healthier future for aging in the province.
British Columbia will head to the polls by Oct. 19. During this election, Federal Retirees is calling on the province’s next government to address the needs of an aging population and create a healthier future for aging in British Columbia.
This work is more important now than ever before.
By 2030, adults aged 65 or older will make up 23 per cent of Canada’s population and number over 9.5 million.
Earlier this year, the Local News Data Hub at Toronto Metropolitan University reported on the 15 urban centres in Canada with the largest number of adults aged 65 and older. Six B.C. cities made the list. Parksville topped the list, with 46 per cent of its population aged 65 or older. Sidney was second on the list but surpassed Parksville when it came to the percentage of people aged 80 or over — 14 per cent.
Older adults deserve to age with dignity, and it’s time to create a healthier future for aging in British Columbia.
This provincial election is our chance to do that.
This webpage will be updated as we move closer to — and through — the 2024 British Columbia election.
Check back regularly to:
- Learn about Federal Retirees British Columbia election priorities.
- Find key messages and questions to ask when speaking with candidates.
- Get a template letter to send to candidates.
- Get a template letter to send to to the editor of your local news publications
- See how your branch is advocating for older adults.
British Columbia election priorities
During this election, Federal Retirees is calling for British Columbia’s next provincial government to:
• Ensure British Columbians’ incomes keep up with the cost-of-living.
• Enable aging in place by ensuring timely access to needed supports.
• Improve access to care through the provision of funding and services.
Ensure British Columbians’ incomes keep up with the cost of living
The next government must ensure British Columbians’ incomes keep up with the cost-of-living by protecting and encouraging more defined benefit pension plans and prioritizing investments that specifically support access to housing for older Canadians.
Life —– and especially housing —– is becoming unaffordable. The next government must take on measures that will make it easier for British Columbians to make ends meet.
Enable aging in place
British Columbia’s next government must invest in tools and programs to enable older adults to age in place and ensure the work of caregivers is recognized and supported.
Improve access to care
British Columbia’s next government must invest in the continuum of care, from primary to home to long-term care, and address wait times in the public health-care system.
Letter to candidates
Letter to editors
For more information about the election, including how and where to vote, visit Elections BC.