On June 5, 2025, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) CEO Terry Lake presented to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of provide-wide consultations for B.C.’s next provincial budget.
In his remarks, Lake emphasized the urgent need for increased investments in seniors living and care. With one in five British Columbians over the age of 65 by 2036, the province is not on track to meet the growing demands and needs of an aging population. Waitlists for long-term care have doubled in the past five years, with more seniors also waiting for access to subsidized registered assisted living and home health services.
To address this crisis, BCCPA’s submission recommends immediate action in the following key areas:
1. Establishing a refundable tax credit to assist seniors in accessing self-funded home health and independent living services, enabling them to age in the right place.
2. Refreshing and renewing the funding model for assisted living to ensure that this ‘middle option’ continues to thrive and remains a vital part of our care continuum for older adults.
3. Investing in essential safety and quality-of-life equipment in publicly-funded seniors care communities by renewing the successful EquipCare BC program with a $6.0 million annual contract.
A full copy of our 2026 Budget Submission, titled “Investments in Aging: Strengthening Seniors Care Across B.C.” is available for download/view here.
