As part of our federal budget campaign, Fraser Valley West Branch member Mohni Khanna (far left) and branch president Ian Spence (far) connected with MP Sukh Dhaliwal.
Aging in place panel discussion draws a crowd
Last September, Federal Retirees’ Fraser Valley West Branch hosted a panel discussion titled “Aging in Place Requires a Plan,” which highlighted local support services available to help older adults age in place in their homes and communities. This event was well-attended by 175 Federal Retirees members and guests.
Panelists included representatives from Fraser Health’s Seniors, Community and Complex Care section, the United Way’s Healthy Aging program, Brella Community Services Society’s Better at Home program and the Semiahmoo Seniors Planning Table.
The discussion centred on examples of situations older adults may find themselves in and what supports would be available in each case. Panelists also placed a focus on understanding available supports and how to access them.
Fraser Valley West Branch president Ian Spence notes, “A key message that emerged from the discussion was to not wait to plan. Research your options and prepare your own personal strategy for aging in place, so that you know where to turn when you do need help, and you can address problems quickly before they get out of control. We hope audience members went away with at least a clearer idea of what their home care options are.”
Spence extends many thanks to everyone who helped bring the event together, especially the panelists and volunteers: Ilene Fika, Arlene Johnstone, Rod and Verda Tondevold, Judy McLellan, Thelma Graham and Gloria Draper.
Branch events like these are a great way of engaging branch members on the importance of Federal Retirees’ advocacy priorities, while also providing added value for members.
2024 federal budget campaign
In December, Fraser Valley West Branch advocacy work highlighted Federal Retirees’ 2024 federal budget recommendations. As part of this campaign, Spence along with branch member and local constituent Mohni Khanna met with MP Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey-Newton) at Dhaliwal’s constituency office.
“We focused on the need for improved supports for home care and national standards for long-term care. Mr. Dhaliwal showed particular interest in the proposal to make the caregivers tax credit a refundable credit to benefit lower income families caring for a loved one at home,” reports Spence.
For branches and volunteers aiming to secure MP meetings and engage their communities, inviting and including members who are themselves constituents of the MP can be a good strategy.
Telling MPs what matters to members
Spence and branch volunteer Don McKay met with MP Ken Hardie (Fleetwood—Port Kells) early in January 2024, to kickstart advocacy in the new year.
This meeting focused on challenges with the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) transition to Canada Life, as well as the need for mandatory national standards for long-term and home care.
In the run-up to the next election, Fraser Valley West Branch is focused on meeting as many of their MPs as possible, and that means starting strong in 2024 and beginning their advocacy work at the very beginning of the year.
Focusing on Federal Retirees priorities
Spence joined Fraser Valley West Branch directors Leslie Gaudette, Bernd Hirsekorn and Judy McLellan for a meeting with MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay (South Surrey-White Rock) on Jan. 25.
This meeting focused on key Federal Retirees priorities, including pharmacare, a national seniors strategy as well as national standards for long-term care and home care. Access to care and challenges with the PSHCP transition to Canada Life were also addressed.
As the meeting was wrapping up, MP Findlay indicated an interest in meeting again, perhaps in a couple of months, providing the branch a perfect opportunity to plan for their next meeting.
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians. Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation. It grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.