Earlier this week, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) kicked off season 12 of Care to Chat with a special Election Edition debate at Elim Village in Surrey. With an incredible turnout from residents, association members, and key media outlets, candidates B.C.’s major political parties took the stage to showcase their commitments in addressing crucial issues in seniors’ care.
The panel, moderated by TV and radio broadcaster Jody Vance, featured the following candidates:
- Elenore Sturko, BC Conservative candidate for Surrey-Cloverdale (former BC United MLA for Surrey-South)
- Pat McCutcheon, Green Party of BC candidate for Surrey-Cloverdale
- Adrian Dix, current B.C. Minister of Health and BC NDP candidate for Vancouver-Renfrew (incumbent)
- Karin Kirkpatrick, independent candidate for West Vancouver-Capilano (incumbent, formerly with BC United)
In commencing the debate, Vance offered a heartfelt, personal story about her experience as a family caregiver to her late father. Her moving anecdote highlighted the importance of meeting seniors’ needs and ensuring they receive the highest quality of care possible.
With this introduction, the discussion shifted to each candidate’s strategy for addressing the growing needs of B.C.’s rapidly expanding aging population. Minister Dix talked about the need to focus on residents first, while Sturko affirmed the BC Conservatives’ commitment to protect the safety of seniors. McCutcheon emphasized support across the continuum of care and Kirkpatrick highlighted a greater need for accessibility to care services.
Investments in Long-Term Care Beds
In addressing long-term care capacity, Minister Dix details BC NDP’s comprehensive plan and a ‘Team BC’ approach that builds off of ongoing developments of long-term care beds (such as those with Kaigo and Providence Living) and request for proposals (RFPs), bringing a need to advance all providers. Sturko similarly mentions her party’s commitment to building 5000 long-term care beds and working together across sectors. Kirkpatrick questioned how to keep the government party to account and also states how the private sector can develop beds at a lower cost.
With private-pay long-term beds helping to ease hospital overcrowding, candidates were asked their party’s position on fully funding private pay beds to help address shortages. All parties, excluding Green candidate McCutcheon who solely supports public and non-profit model, stated their support of funding private pay beds to alleviate pressures on hospitals.
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Aging in the Right Place Tax Credit
All candidates emphasized the importance of aging at home and consequently more investments in home health. Minister Dix stated his support of home health with federal dollars through respite care and adult day programs. Sturko highlights the lack of support for seniors in Canada, hoping to eliminate daily user fees for home health and more supports through programs like United Way’s ‘Better at Home.’ In particular, she mentions financial support for mobility aids, hearing aids, eyeglasses and other medical equipment to maintain standards of care.
The candidates also discussed their positions on making home health services more affordable through tax credits. Sturko advocated for doubling home renovation tax credits, given the high cost of living. While Kirkpatrick acknowledged the value of tax credits, she favored subsidies instead. Minister Dix emphasized expanding home-based care options, with work already beginning through the virtual service pilot program—known as LTC@Home—underway at KinVillage. Although both Dix and Sturko are not actively pursuing tax credits at this time, both stated that they are not ruling them out entirely. Kirkpatrick expressed interest in exploring co-payment models, while McCutcheon voiced support for tax credits.
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Live-In Care
With changes in the interpretation of the Employment Standards Act making live-in case unaffordable, candidates mentioned how they will make in-home care safer and more affordable. Minister Dix plans to invest in health care workers, the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) program, and maintain employment standards. In terms of affordability, Sturko mentioned the removing of palliative care costs and other upfront costs.
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Although the candidates held differing views on specific issues, most shared a common commitment to an #AllHandsonDeck approach — collaborating across sectors to address the growing needs of seniors to ensure that they have access to the care they deserve and need well into the future.
Media Coverage
Check out some media stories below.
CBC Radio – On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko
CBC Vancouver: Seniors in Surrey share their concerns ahead of the B.C. election (following the debate)
CBC Vancouver: Parties court reliable voting block with seniors care promises
Photo Gallery
View photos from the event here or the gallery below.
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