**Attention: South of Fraser beat reporters
Burnaby, BC (Sept 9, 2019) – BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is hosting one of the first all-candidate meetings in advance of Canada’s federal election campaign on the subject of seniors health and housing. Canada Cares 2.0: Putting Seniors on the National Agenda is the latest installment of the popular “Care to Chat” events, now entering its seventh season.
WHO: Four candidates representing the major political parties.
- Ken Hardie, Liberal Party candidate for Fleetwood-Port Kells (incumbent)
- Beverly “Pixie” Hobby, Green Party candidate for Surrey-White Rock
- Annie Ohana, NDP candidate for Fleetwood-Port Kells
- Shinder Purewal, Conservative Party candidate for Fleetwood-Port Kells
Moderator: Mike Klassen, BCCPA VP Public Affairs
WHAT: An all-candidate debate on the role of the federal government in supporting seniors care and housing.
WHERE: Elim Village, 9025 160 St, Surrey, BC – event takes place in The Oasis building. Free parking available.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 10:30 am – noon. Media asked to arrive by 10:15.
WHY: The federal election is scheduled for October 21st, 2019, and the issue of health care including for seniors will gain increased attention as a top voter concern when heading to the ballot box. The focus of this debate, featuring prominent candidates from the four major political parties – Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Green – will be on the federal government’s role in supporting seniors. Although health care, as outlined in section 91 of the Constitution, is largely a provincial responsibility, the federal government still has a role in specific areas such as funding, public health, research, as well as fostering best practices and innovation. The federal government also has primary responsibility for particular populations such as First Nations living on reserves.
Some of the important discussions as part of such a Care to Chat debate could include ways we can better meet the needs of a rapidly aging population as well as the role of the federal government in implementing national strategies on dementia, palliative care, housing or even developing an overall strategy for seniors or health human resources (HHR).
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MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Klassen
604-377-5499
mklassen@bccare.ca
