Christine’s report here.

 

There’s never been a more urgent time to advocate for older Canadians. Over 600 hundred CARP members tuned in to hear the advocacy group present its ambitious advocacy plans for the year ahead.

Top of mind is the egregious impact of COVID-19 on seniors in long term care.

“So CARP will engage the federal and provincial and territorial governments to challenge them to improve and standardize long term care,” explained interim Chief Policy Officer Bill VanGorder.

Not only were older Canadians most impacted by the COVID-19 virus itself, it hit them in the pocket book too.

“CARP will hold the federal government to its election promises of boosting the old age pension by 10 percent for people 75 and and older and increasing the Canada Pension Plan Survivors Benefit by 25 percent.”

Zoomer Media President Moses Znaimer says it’s been a blame game between the provinces and the federal government and there’s been no accountability for the shocking number of deaths in long term care.

“There’s never been a more appropriate time for a united non-partisan voice in support of this righteous cause, CARP is fighting not only for those in care now but for all of us.”

Guest speaker Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh joined virtually from Ottawa.

“I’m really honoured to be here, you’re speaking with a powerful voice for people who sometimes get ignored.”

Singh outlined his party’s policy to abolish for profit long term care and create national standards. He also told membership that now is not the time for a federal election.

To watch CARP’S AGM  visit