Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
Seniors Advocate Statement on BC Seniors’ Week
BC Seniors’ Week is an opportunity to recognize the important contributions older adults make to families and communities across the province. This year’s theme, ‘Experience Matters’, highlights the value of the knowledge, resilience and perspectives seniors share through their work, caregiving, volunteerism and leadership.
Join the Conversation for BC Seniors’ Week
To mark BC Seniors’ Week, the Office of the Seniors Advocate is inviting older adults to join the conversation on our Facebook page by responding to daily questions about ageing, community and what matters most. Select contributions will be shared online by our office to celebrate seniors in B.C.
Seven BC Seniors’ Organizations Launch Campaign to Remove Home Support Co-Payments
During BC Seniors’ Week, a coalition of seniors’ organizations, caregivers, health providers and system advocates is calling on the Government of British Columbia to eliminate co-payments for publicly-subsidized home support for seniors. Please visit the campaign website to send a letter of support to your MLA.
Current Issues and Resources
Property Tax Deferral Remains a Good Option for Cash-Strapped Senior Homeowners
Changes to B.C.’s Property Tax Deferment Program mean higher interest costs for new applications, but the program is still a valuable option for seniors who own their home and need more flexibility with monthly expenses. For many older adults living on a fixed income, deferring property taxes can help free up money for essentials like home support, medical travel, or unexpected bills, while allowing them to stay in their home.
National Webinar on Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older adults. To mark the occasion, a coalition of seniors’ organizations from across Canada is hosting a free national webinar on June 10 focused on promoting safety, dignity and respect for seniors.
Intergenerational Day: Bringing All Ages Together
Intergenerational Day (June 1) celebrates the meaningful connections between people of all ages and the benefits of learning and sharing across generations. To help spark intergenerational initiatives, explore the Intergenerational Toolkit for ideas, resources and practical ways to bring people of every generation together.
Have Your Say: Improving Patient Safety in Health Care
The Ministry of Health is seeking input from patients, families and caregivers to better understand what information, supports and opportunities for involvement people need after experiencing harm in the health care system, and how to address Indigenous-specific racism in care. Share your perspective through a public survey.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
National News
Recent Announcements from the Federal Government Impacting Seniors
Recent Research
Caring in Canada 2026: Survey insights from caregivers and care providers across Canada
(Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence) )
Caring in Canada 2026 provides an in-depth analysis of the survey results collected in the 2025 National Caregiving Survey completed by more than 2,600 caregivers and care providers from across Canada. The survey, conducted by Leger Communications, offers new insights into the experiences of caregivers and care providers across Canada.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Homelike Models in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review Using the Updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
(Journal of Applied Gerontology)
Home-like models in long-term care (LTC) aim to improve residents’ well-being, autonomy, and daily life experience. However, its implementation is inconsistent with variation in adoption and sustainability across settings.
Responding to Older Adult Maltreatment: Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care Provider Experiences and Training Needs
(Canadian Journal of Nursing Research)
Interdisciplinary geriatric care providers, including nurses, personal support workers, physicians, social workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, are often witnesses and disclosure recipients of maltreatment involving older adults. Despite there being mandatory reporting laws in Ontario, Canada, for older adult residents in community, retirement home and long-term care settings, interdisciplinary geriatric care providers can be reluctant to disclose observed maltreatment due to insufficient training and time.
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 operates a toll-free information and referral phone line staffed by seniors’ services specialists who can help put seniors and family caregivers in touch with services and navigate issues and concerns. Call 1-877-952-3181 (toll free) or 250-952-3181 (Victoria).