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"The BCGEU/NUPGE calls on the provincial government to offer more substantive solutions by building additional assisted living facilities, especially in rural B.C., and ensuring that low-income seniors have access to appropriate care." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
Vancouver (11 March 2016) — The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) expressed cautious optimism about the introduction of Bill 16, the Community Care and Assisted Living Amendment Act, into the B.C. Legislature.
Cautious optimism with new bill
The bill is intended to increase flexibility for B.C. residents to remain in assisted living facilities, allowing them to delay moving into complex care, as well as increasing protection for residents and staff.
"We applaud the Liberal government's decision to increase flexibility for clients to remain in assisted living facilities across the province, and we are pleased about the increased protection extended to those who speak up about elder abuse. The greater regulatory oversight foreseen in the bill is also a positive step," said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President.
Bill 16 overlooks need for more assisted living spaces for rural seniors and for subsidized spaces
However, Smith cautioned, the bill still proposes nothing to address the need for increased assisted living spaces for seniors in rural areas, or to ensure that low-income seniors across in the province will be able to find a subsidized space.
The BCGEU/NUPGE calls on the provincial government to offer more substantive solutions by building additional assisted living facilities, especially in rural B.C., and ensuring that low-income seniors have access to appropriate care.
More information:
Community Care Assisted Living Act
Proposed changes — Community Care Assisted Living Amendment Act
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE