For Immediate Release
Burnaby, BC (February 23, 2021) – Today is officially proclaimed B.C. Seniors Care Providers Day by the Province of B.C. – an opportunity to thank everyone who works in British Columbia to support our older adults. BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is showing its appreciation to those employed in the sector by launching a special video greeting featuring a group of prominent leaders from the healthcare sector and the media.
“It is our seniors care providers who have truly borne the weight of the global pandemic over the past year, giving today’s proclamation even more significance,” says Terry Lake, CEO of BCCPA and EngAge BC. “I am grateful that so many prominent leaders have come together to express their thanks on this noteworthy occasion via their video greetings. It is important that we all acknowledge the compassion, professionalism, and dedication of those who care and support B.C.’s seniors.”
The video — which was just released on YouTube and Facebook – can be shared with friends and family members, and especially to the people who work to provide long-term care, assisted and independent living services, or home health support.
“The annual BC Seniors Care Providers Day first began in 2017, and it is a recognition I helped to establish then as British Columbia’s Minister of Health,” adds Lake. “We hear from so many that recognition is needed ‘more than ever’ since the COVID threat affected so many elderly British Columbians and their family members. We cannot thank them enough for what they have done in the past year.”
In an op-ed also published today, Lake warns that “the profound emotional toll” of the COVID crisis “will trigger a wave of retirements and career changes” if more measures are not taken to support the seniors care workforce.
The video message features 11 prominent figures – many that British Columbians will know well. The names, titles, and order of appearance of the video participants are as follows:
| Name | Title | Time | |
| 1 | Terry Lake | CEO, BCCPA / EngAge BC | 00:25 |
| 2 | Simi Sara | Host, Mornings with Simi | Global News | 01:34 |
| 3 | Barb Nederpel | President, Hospital Employees’ Union | 02:25 |
| 4 | Shirley Bond | Leader of the Official Opposition | 03:19 |
| 5 | Jennifer Lyle | CEO, SafeCare BC | 04:00 |
| 6 | Mi-Jung Lee / Scott Roberts | Hosts, CTV News Vancouver | 04:38 |
| 7 | Isobel Mackenzie | B.C. Seniors Advocate | 05:22 |
| 8 | Christine Sorensen | President, BC Nurses Union | 06:19 |
| 9 | Lynda Steele | Host, The Lynda Steele Show | Global News | 07:11 |
| 10 | Dr. Bonnie Henry | B.C. Provincial Health Officer | 07:44 |
| 11 | Hon. Adrian Dix | B.C. Minister of Health | 08:51 |
The official proclamation document by the Province of B.C. is available online and can be downloaded here.
-30-
CONTACT
Mike Klassen
VP, Public Affairs
mklassen@bccare.ca
604-377-5499
About BC Care Providers Association & EngAge BC
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 400 long-term care, assisted living, home care, home support, and commercial members from across British Columbia. Through its operating arm EngAge BC, the organization represents independent living, as well as private pay assisted living, long-term care and home health services.
