Federal Retirees has been able to take its long-term care campaign to the next level thanks to support from members and volunteers like Vancouver Branch vice-president Murray Bryck.
In July, Vancouver Branch vice-president Murray Bryck participated in a local Old Growth Conservancy Society tour of West Lake. Also on this group tour was Patrick Weiler, member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country.
Inspired by the Vancouver Branch’s first advocacy meeting in June, and although in a group setting and not specifically scheduled, Bryck took the opportunity to connect with Weiler on Federal Retirees’ priorities.
“During the forest tour, discussions centered on the impacts of climate change on health care including implications for seniors. Specific references were made to events and extensive news coverage relating to the 2021 heat dome in B.C. which resulted in 619 deaths,” says Bryck.
The Report to the Chief Coroner of British Columbia Extreme Heat and Human Mortality: A Review of Heat-Related Deaths in B.C. in Summer 2021 states two-thirds of those heat-related deaths were among people aged 70 and older, while more than 80 per cent of those who died were on three or more chronic disease registries. The report also notes that most of the deceased were older adults with compromised health due to multiple chronic diseases and who lived alone.
The Victoria Times Colonist reports, “B.C.’s laws don’t explicitly require air conditioning in long-term care homes.”
This is one example of why national standards for long-term care need to be implemented and enforced through accountability tied to funding.
“Lunch conversations focused on public policy issues relevant to seniors and retirees, including the importance of federal and provincial governments working together on improvements to the health system, including pharmacare, long-term care and home care. Other items discussed included housing for seniors and income and pension issues,” reports Bryck.
“The Vancouver Branch is doing so well with their advocacy work! It’s terrific to see them taking innovative approaches to meet with MPs at every opportunity to make sure members’ voices are heard,” says Renate Sutherland, advocacy program officer for B.C.
Have you recently met with your MP and want to be featured in an Advocacy Spotlight? Use the MP Meeting Report Template in our Reach 338 toolkit to email a report of your meeting to advocacyteam@federalretirees.ca.
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians. Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation. It grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.