The Trail Society for the Protection and Care of Seniors (SPCS) is hosting a Federal Candidates meeting with interested area Seniors on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Trail United Church (1300 Pine Avenue), beginning at 1 p.m.
The specific focus of the meetings is to hear and respond to the candidate positions on Seniors Health Care at the National level.
While the provinces are primarily responsible for the delivery of direct health care service, the federal government can have a major impact on how they are carried out in accordance with the Canada Health Act. The SPCS has identified several areas of concern from seniors and other advocacy groups: negotiation of a new Health Accord with the provinces; protection of Medicare, the universal and publicly funded health care system; prohibition of parallel, for-profit private care systems; provision of adequate funding to sustain and improve the public system; implementation of a National Pharmacare program; investing in a National Seniors Health Care strategy; restoration of health care funding for refugees (important given the current crisis); more clear steps to ensure the enforcement of the Canada Health Act.
Questions and comments from the audience through an “open mic” will be encouraged after each candidate makes a 10-15 minute presentation on their approach and position in regard to seniors health care at the national level. Then the candidate will have an opportunity to respond and make a closing statement. The sessions will be moderated by a member of our SPCS group and we will adhere to the focus of the meetings, which is to give seniors a voice on health issues in the campaign.
There will also be an opportunity for individuals to sign a health care “pledge” where she or he signals the intent to vote for candidates who in turn commit to the maintenance and improvement of the Canadian public health care system.
Both Connie Denesiuk, Liberal and Richard Cannings, New Democrat, are confirmed to the meetings with seniors on the above date and time with Denesiuk to do so between
1 and 2 p.m. while Mr. Cannings will be there between 2 and 3 p.m. Unfortunately, we have been advised in the two days prior to my letter that Marshall Neufeld, the Conservative candidate has chosen not to attend these important meetings with seniors.
We are hopefully he may commit to come to Trail later in the campaign.
Refreshments will be served before and after each session to minimize distraction from the important issues to be discussed. We hope to see many seniors from the area at the meetings. Questions about the meetings can be directed to me at 250-364-1487.
Ron Cameron
Trail
Society for the Protection and Care of Seniors
