Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
Seeking Seniors Survey Testers
Are you 65 or older and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or BC Seniors Supplement? OSA and BC Office of Patient-Centred Measurement are looking for seniors to give feedback on survey questions about income and affordability.
Selected participants will complete a 60–90-minute interview and provide feedback to help make the questions clear and meaningful. Interviews are voluntary and confidential, and participants will receive a $50 grocery gift card.
Email info.bcpcm@phc.ca or call 604-806-9401 to learn more.
December Message from the Seniors Advocate
As the holiday season approaches, the Seniors Advocate looks back on a year of research, engagement, and advocacy for older adults in B.C.
Current Issues and Resources
New Anti-Ageism Toolkit Released
The Canadian Coalition Against Ageism has introduced a practical and accessible Ageism Awareness and Education Toolkit. This resource offers educational modules, discussion guides, workshops, and other tools designed to help people, organizations, and communities recognize and challenge age-based stereotypes.
Holiday Fraud Watch
Scams often escalate during the holidays, targeting seniors with fake charities, delivery scams, and online shopping fraud. Staying alert to common red flags and knowing where to report suspicious activities is the key to staying safe.
New National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System
The RCMP has launched a new national online system that makes it easier for Canadians to report cybercrime and fraud. The platform allows users to submit details, upload evidence, and help law enforcement identify emerging scams across the country.
Cold Weather Safety and Preparedness
Colder weather can increase risks for seniors, including falls, power outages, and mobility challenges. Being prepared, whether it’s updating emergency kits, planning for severe weather, or arranging community supports, can make a big difference in staying safe throughout winter.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
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November 21, 2025 |
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November 21, 2025 |
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November 12, 2025 |
Cowichan’s new hospital celebrates name, construction progress |
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November 11, 2025 |
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November 7, 2025 |
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November 7, 2025 |
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November 6, 2025 |
National News
Recent Announcements from the Federal Government Impacting Seniors
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November 4, 2025 |
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November 27, 2025 |
New Report: Housing supply needs and challenges for a diverse seniors population in Canada |
Recent Research
Seniors Report 2025: Monitoring Key Indicators of Seniors’ Wellbeing in Newfoundland and Labrador
(Office of the Seniors Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador)
The second annual Seniors’ Report provides a comprehensive profile of the wellbeing of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador related to their Individual Health, Health Care, Finances, Housing, Transportation, and Safety and Protection. The accompanying Seniors’ Report 2025: Data Tables ensures transparency and the use of this data by others interested learning about and the wellbeing of seniors in the province.
Exploring Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities in the Context of the Social Determinants of Health
(Canadian Journal on Aging)
Ontario seniors face a range of challenges as they age, including financial, physical and social barriers. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving the health and wellbeing of older adults in the province. This discussion proposes that naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) offer a viable and safe alternative to formal retirement communities and evaluates how NORCs can support seniors when examined through the lens of the social determinants of health.
Growing Older at Home: Canadians’ Meaning of Aging in Place
(Journal of Aging and Environment)
“Ageing in place” is a widely used term but its meaning and interpretation in literature and practice have often omitted older adults’ perspectives. This study sought to uncover the meaning of “aging in place” for older adults in Canada, the ways they think it can be supported, and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on their perspectives. A survey probing these topics was distributed to older Canadians, and participants were invited to focus groups to elaborate.
Outreach by the OSA
If you would like to invite BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt to speak to your organization or attend an event, please email info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca .
The Office of the Seniors Advocate has an information and referral line that is available 24 hours a day, every day. Our senior service specialists will work with you during our office hours to provide resources and help resolve issues. Call 1-877-952-3181 (toll free) or 250-952-3181 (Victoria)