Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
New Report – Reframing Ageing: British Columbians’ Thoughts on Ageism
In November and December 2024, the Office of the Seniors Advocate asked British Columbians of all ages to share their perceptions and experiences with ageism, and whether it has impacted their lives. This report summarizes the feedback we received through five themes: social inclusion, employment, health care, the media, and safety, and includes the experiences shared in the survey.
May Message from the Seniors Advocate
Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt shares updates about recent activities and initiatives of the Office of the Seniors Advocate.
Current Issues and Resources
Senior Renters Encouraged to Apply for Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters Program (SAFER)
Are you 60 or older and renting in B.C.? You may now qualify for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program which provides a monthly payment to subsidize rent for seniors with low incomes. The provincial government recently improved the program by increasing both the monthly payment and the income limit for eligibility.
Webinar B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner: Protecting the Rights of Older Adults
Join BC Association of Community Response Networks and Kasari Govender, BC’s Human Rights Commissioner, for a free webinar on protecting the rights of older adults. They will discuss the latest findings from a new report on the Adult Guardianship Act, human rights policies and education in B.C., and the role of the BC Human Rights Commissioner.
Date: May 20, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. PDT
Emergency Preparedness Week
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4-10. Learn how to prepare yourself, your loved ones and neighbours for the unexpected. This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme is “In it together,” recognizing the importance of relationships and community connection so we can collectively respond to and recover from emergencies better. Find out about free events, contests and resources available throughout the week.
WHO Ageism Scale
Ageism has been proven to negatively impact the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. To better understand and address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the WHO Ageism Scale – an evidence-based tool to measure ageism. The scale will help track trends, uncover root causes, and assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at combatting age discrimination around the world.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
| April 25, 2025 | More, better home-care supports coming for B.C. seniors |
| April 24, 2025 | Second urgent and primary care centre opening in Nanaimo |
| April 23, 2025 | New affordable homes open in Castlegar |
| April 15, 2025 | Sick notes restriction will leave more time for patient care |
| April 10, 2025 | Province, mayors pledge stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver |
| April 10, 2025 | Funding will strengthen emergency support for evacuees |
| April 9, 2025 | B.C. makes heat pumps more affordable for people with low incomes |
| April 8, 2025 | B.C. strengthens supports, cuts wait times for landlords, renters |
| April 8, 2025 | Legislation amendments will help people avoid more costs |
| April 7, 2025 | Minister’s statement on Public Health Week |
| April 3, 2025 | Enhanced rental assistance programs support families, seniors |
Recent Research
Seniors’ poverty in Canada: Why it exists and why it doesn’t have to
(Maytree Canada)
Many Canadians assume poverty among seniors is a minor issue and the income support system provides enough for older people to live with dignity. This new report reveals a different reality: 430,000 seniors in Canada live below the Official Poverty Line. Despite being one of the most robust income support systems in the country, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are failing to protect many older adults from poverty.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
(Office of the Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland-Labrador)
The new report from Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, outlines preventative measures needed to ensure seniors are able to age safely in their own homes. She makes six recommendations to government regarding programs and policies on home modifications, assistive devices and public awareness.
Aging and Mental Health: Collaborating on Research Priorities with Older Adults, Caregivers and Health and Social Care Providers across Canada
(Canadian Journal on Aging)
Age-related changes can affect mental health, but ageing-focused mental health research is limited. The objective was to identify the top 10 unanswered research questions on ageing and mental health according to what matters most to ageing Canadians.
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. Staff at BC211 will assist after hours.