The NL Seniors’ Coalition is a collaborative alliance of fourteen organizations addressing issues facing older adults and retirees. From left to right: MP Joanne Thompson and Mike Siscoe (CARP NL), Marilyn Best (Federal Retirees), Mary Cleary (NLPSPA), Joyce Reardon (NAPE Retirees), Sharron Callahan (coalition chair), then Minister for Seniors Seamus O'Regan and Jon Soper (CBC Pensioners).
In April, Marilyn Best, Federal Retirees advocacy program officer for Newfoundland and Labrador, met with Seamus O’Regan, then minister of labour and seniors, and Joanne Thompson, member of Parliament (MP) and chair of the National Seniors’ Caucus. This meeting was made possible due to Federal Retirees’ participation in the Newfoundland and Labrador Coalition of Seniors’, Pensioners’ and Retirees’ Associations (NL Seniors’ Coalition).
The NL Seniors’ Coalition is an alliance of fourteen different seniors’ and retirees’ organizations that work collaboratively to speak out against all actions that are deemed to have a negative impact on the quality of life of its members and their families. This voice of unity is key in advocating on matters that challenge the well-being and quality of life of pensioners, retirees and seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador.
During this meeting, the following topics were discussed:
- The need for a national seniors strategy.
- The status of pharmacare.
- The need for a Safe Long-Term Care Act and national standards for long-term care.
- Ageism/older workers’ strategy.
- Issues with mandating Canada Pension Plan (CPP) investing more in Canada, and the implications to the defined benefit plans both federally and provincially.
“It was stressed during the meeting the need for accountability tied to long-term care standards and the Safe LTC Act,” reports Best. “It was also stressed that improvements to programs are needed to improve the quality of life for seniors and hopefully alleviate some of the financial burdens.”
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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.