A word from our Executive Director

Rob Miyashiro

Executive Director

As summer turns to fall and the leaves change color our thoughts drift to…another Federal election? Some of our members may have voted for Bennett or St Laurent, Diefenbaker or Pearson and all of our members have been of voting age since Trudeau’s first stint in office. But never before have we seen an election that has been focused so much on the environment. While the resolution of “green” issues has apparent value to everyone, what issues are the parties addressing that are of singular concern to seniors?

Unfortunately, only one party’s platform mentions seniors issues (according to all of the parties’ websites) and that one only discusses financial issues – although there are links to long-term care and home care recommendations. The NDP website dedicates a whole page to seniors and pensions and also mentions the concept of the NDP’s Senior’s Charter. The Green Party notes their idea of a guaranteed annual income (for all Canadians) but includes nothing specific about seniors. The Liberal Party website links to a year-old news release (Nov. 9, 2007) which includes one small item regarding the Guaranteed Income Supplement. I could not find any other relevant links to seniors issues. Sadly, the Conservative Party does not have a searchable website and I could not find anything specific about seniors in their platform.

Although our riding has voted Conservative/Reform for many elections, perhaps it is time for seniors to advocate their position on their issues. Maybe seniors need to remind the political parties how democracy works when a segment of the electorate is forgotten or taken for granted. Our nation’s main political parties seem to forget that seniors tend to vote more regularly than other age groups. Perhaps it is time to remind them.

(This article is by no means endorsement for the NDP. Please research on your own and make up your minds.)

Rob Miyashiro

rmiyashiro@lethseniors.com