Burnaby, B.C. (April 22, 2025) – Award-winning Globe and Mail Health Columnist, Andre Picard, and BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and former BC Minister of Health, Terry Lake, will be discussing the existential challenges of an aging population to a health care system already under stress. At BCCPA’s “Care to Chat” event in Vancouver, the biggest question will be “Are we ready?”
The fastest growing cohort in B.C. is over 80 years of age – a time when the majority of medical care is required. With huge waiting lists for home care, assisted living and long-term care, how will the system manage and what can be done to prepare?
Picard’s best selling book “Neglected No More,” written just after the COVID-19 pandemic, offers some insights but what are governments doing now the crisis in seniors’ care is not in the news on a daily basis?
The current provincial plan of 16,300 new long-term care beds by 2035 is unlikely to be met and has a staggering $20 billion cost. How will we provide adequate care for seniors that society can afford and what can families do to ensure their loved ones are not neglected?
WHO: Terry Lake (CEO of BCCPA and former B.C. Minister of Health) and André Picard (Globe and Mail health columnist).
WHAT: A conversational-style presentation on current challenges facing Canada’s aging population, along with a Q&A from audience participants.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Media is asked to arrive by 11:15 AM.
WHERE: Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1B6
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Lozano
Manager, Communications
jamie@bccare.ca
(604) 358-3615
ABOUT BCCPA:
Established in 1977, BCCPA is the unified voice of the seniors living, wellness and care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 500 long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members from across British Columbia. The organization also represents independent living and private-pay home health operators.
