An open letter to Members of Parliament ahead of the October 19 federal election
September 14, 2015
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Ambrose,
On behalf of our 130 supporters, we urge you to heed the Canadian Medical Association’s call to implement a national strategy for seniors – right away. As part of this strategy, we ask that you address the insufficient and inequitable access to home and community services for seniors in Canada.
As you know, the services that the frail elderly require to remain in their homes are not funded under the universal protection of the Canada Health Act. Access to home and community services varies widely across the country. These are often the first to be cut back, or cut out completely.
We request that you impress upon your fellow caucus members the need to develop federal standards for home and community care. We ask that you support the provinces and territories in their efforts to implement these services.
We respectfully recommend that you visit www.nationalseniorsstrategy.ca where some of Canada’s top physicians outline a comprehensive plan for seniors’ care. This strategy recognizes high quality home and community care within its four pillars.
We hope that you will make the health and well-being of Canada’s senior citizens a top priority after October 19.
Sincerely,
Lorna MacGregor, Chair
Care Watch Board of Directors
Cc : The Honourable Joe Oliver
The Honourable Kevin Sorensen
The Honourable Alice Wong
Mrs. Cathy McLeod
Mr. Andrew Saxton
The Honourable Scott Brison
The Honourable Hedy Fry
The Honourable John McCallum
Mr. Nathan Cullen
Mrs. Irene Mathyssen
Mr. Rankin Murray