Federal Retirees volunteers Roland Wells (left) and Marilyn Best (right) met with Susan Walsh (centre), seniors' advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, to connect on Federal Retirees’ priorities.
Roland Wells, director for the district of Atlantic, and Marilyn Best, Newfoundland and Labrador advocacy program officer (APO), met with Susan Walsh, seniors' advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, and Pamela Dawe, systemic advocacy consultant at the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, in August.
Conversation focused on Federal Retirees’ advocacy priorities, particularly long-term care and home care, as well as ageism. The importance of pharmacare was also discussed, to ensure seniors can access the medications they need to continue to live healthy lives.
“It was noted that seniors are the foundation of our society and deserve respect and support for all they have done, and continue to do, for the care and development of families, neighbours, community and the country,” says Best.
Walsh shared key findings from a recent research study involving over 1,500 seniors. Participants in the survey identified specific issues, and “aging at home” emerged as one of the top concerns.
“We discussed ways to lend our support and particularly to highlight the continued need for the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate to bring to light the challenges faced by seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador,” summarizes Best.
To close the meeting, volunteers left an information package providing more details on Federal Retirees’ priorities as well as their business cards for future contact.
Newfoundland and Labrador volunteers look forward to working together with the seniors’ advocate to continue to bring attention to the needs of seniors and to hold the government accountable for their commitments.
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.