News Archives

2014 News

2015 Age-friendly grant recipients announced

December 11, 2014

VICTORIA - Twenty-eight B.C. communities have been awarded age-friendly community planning and project grants to support strategies to help seniors stay mobile, physically active, socially connected and healthy, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

Province provides grant for seniors' falls prevention and mobility

November 5, 2014

VICTORIA - In recognition of Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Health Minister Terry Lake announced a $4.5-million grant through the Provincial Health Services Authority to the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility for programs to help prevent falls and hip fractures in older adults and enhance mobility though early intervention.

$500,000 for 2015 Age-friendly grants

September 23, 2014

WHISTLER - Government is committing $500,000 for 2015 Age-friendly Community Planning and Project grants to help local governments establish or continue projects and community planning that supports healthy, active seniors.

Age-friendly recognition for eight B.C. communities

July 28, 2014

COBBLE HILL - Today, Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living and Seniors Michelle Stilwell announced that eight B.C. communities will receive Age-friendly BC Recognition awards for 2014.

New guide supports the health of Aboriginal and First Nations Elders

July 8, 2014

PENTICTON – The First Nations Health Authority and the Ministry of Health today released the first edition of the BC Elders’ Guide. This unique health and lifestyle resource is based on the BC Seniors’ Guide and is specifically designed for First Nations and Aboriginal Elders.

New Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors

June 16, 2014

VICTORIA – Effective today, Michelle Stilwell has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors, adding this role to her existing Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living responsibilities.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 14, 2014

VICTORIA – Health Minister Terry Lake and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors, Linda Larson issued the following statement in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15:

B.C. launches elder abuse awareness social media campaign

June 2, 2014

VICTORIA - West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan, was joined by Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie, Dr. Art Hister and key seniors advocacy representatives to launch a month-long elder abuse awareness social media campaign at the grand re-opening of the West End Seniors’ Network “Kay’s Place” information centre for seniors.

B.C. celebrates Seniors Week

June 1, 2014

VICTORIA - Health Minister Terry Lake and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors Linda Larson have issued the following statement in recognition of B.C. Seniors Week, June 1-7, 2014.

New Horizons for Seniors Program now accepting grant applications

May 16, 2014

OTTAWA - The New Horizons for Seniors Program is accepting applications for the 2014-2015 funding period. The application deadline is July 4, 2014.

B.C. appoints Canada’s first seniors advocate

March 19, 2014

VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia has appointed Isobel Mackenzie as Canada’s first seniors advocate, announced Health Minister Terry Lake today.

Lace up and Walk for Memories

Jan. 24, 2014

VICTORIA – Help support families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, by joining thousands of British Columbians for one of the Investors Group Walk for Memories taking place on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014.

Seniors home care forum focuses on best practices

Jan. 17, 2014

VANCOUVER – An international forum held Jan. 15 brought together government and health authority leaders, researchers and international experts to discuss best practices in home care for seniors.

Multi-sector Council to Reduce Elder Abuse hosts inaugural meeting

Jan. 8, 2014

VICTORIA – The newly established multi-sector Council to Reduce Elder Abuse held its inaugural meeting on Dec. 13, 2013, marking a key commitment in the provincial strategy to reduce elder abuse, announced Health Minister Terry Lake today.

 

2013 News

Twenty-six communities to receive Age-friendly BC grants

Dec. 9, 2013

VICTORIA – Twenty-six communities throughout the province will receive 2014 Age-friendly BC grants to support a variety of projects designed to help older adults stay mobile, physically active and healthy, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

B.C. moves forward with seniors’ advocate

Nov. 19, 2013

VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia is launching an open competition to recruit B.C.’s first seniors’ advocate, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

 

B.C. celebrates Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week

November 4-10, 2013

The B.C. government has proclaimed November 4-10, 2013, as Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week to raise awareness around the prevention of falls and injuries among older adults, and to encourage leadership and collaboration among health authorities across the province.

Call for Proposals: New Horizons for Seniors Program (Pilot) announcement

Oct. 1, 2013

OTTAWA - On October 1, 2013, on National Seniors Day, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) announced a new Call for Proposals (CFP) to fund approximately 20 pilot projects (2,000,000) to address seniors’ social isolation through building social support networks and resources as well as community inventions, and/or projects that address intergenerational learning.

National Seniors Day – celebrate a senior in your life

Sept. 30, 2013

VICTORIA – Oct. 1 is National Seniors Day and a perfect time for British Columbians to pay tribute to those who have helped to build our province.

$500,000 for Age-friendly BC grants

Sept. 12, 2013

VICTORIA - Continued funding of $500,000 for the Age-friendly Community Planning and Project Grant program will help support seniors in every region of British Columbia, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

Families benefit from new residential care facility

Sept. 9, 2013

KAMLOOPS – Health Minister Terry Lake, along with Buron Healthcare, Interior Health representatives, residents and community members gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of the region’s newest residential care facility.

$2M supports expanded farmers’ market coupon program

July 20, 2013

KAMLOOPS – A successful program that provides lower-income families, pregnant women and seniors with coupons for locally produced food is receiving an additional $2 million investment, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

Information Sessions - New Horizons for Seniors Program

May 31, 2013

Information sessions for the New Horizons for Seniors Program are available in-person and via teleconference.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program offers grants of up to $25,000 for projects led or inspired by seniors that make a difference in communities and in the lives of others.

Call for Proposals - New Horizons for Seniors Program

May 22, 2013

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is accepting applications for the 2013-2014 funding period. The application deadline is July 5, 2013.

Planning underway for a new mixed-use community in Vancouver

April 11, 2013

VANCOUVER – Redevelopment planning has started for the 10-hectare (25-acre) Pearson Dogwood site in Vancouver to create new homes for clients with disabilities and seniors in residential care.

$5 million to further support the Better at Home program

April 5, 2013

NORTH VANCOUVER – United Way of the Lower Mainland will receive an additional $5 million to enhance Better at Home, an innovative program that offers B.C. seniors help with a variety of non-medical services to assist them in living independently in their own homes.

Eight communities receive Age-friendly BC Recognition

April 2, 2013

VICTORIA – Eight local governments have received Age-friendly BC Recognition for their actions in supporting older residents to remain healthy and active in their communities.

Free smoke alarm offer expands to protect more seniors

March 27, 2013

VANCOUVER - B.C.’s campaign to see a working smoke alarm in every home grew again today, as the total number of free units available to vulnerable families rose by 4,000.

B.C. provides $2 million to support people with dementia

March 25, 2013

VANCOUVER – Government today announced $2 million to continue to support the First Link program operated by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. that provides services and supports to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

Action plan, centre for excellence, hospice funding to support end-of-life care

March 25, 2013

VANCOUVER - Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid today released an action plan to improve access to end-of-life care so people can remain at home and in their community longer and committed funding to establish a centre for excellence in end-of-life care.

B.C. launches elder abuse prevention strategy

March 6, 2013

VICTORIA – British Columbia today launched a strategy outlining short- and long-term measures to prevent, recognize and respond to elder abuse in British Columbia.

B.C. continues to expand primary and community care
Home is Best program cares for seniors in their home

March 1, 2013

VANCOUVER – Regional health authorities will receive up to $50 million annually over the next three years for targeted primary and community care programs to better support patients and their families.

B.C. unveils new pension option

Feb. 28, 2013

VICTORIA – New legislation introduced by the B.C. government will create an important option for people to save for retirement and provide an additional financial safety net for the approximately two-thirds of B.C. workers who do not have access to group pension plans, Finance Minister Michael de Jong said today.

B.C. introduces legislation for a seniors’ advocate

Feb. 20, 2013

VICTORIA – Legislation was introduced in British Columbia today to create the Seniors’ Advocate Act, which will help build a more accessible, transparent and accountable approach to seniors’ care.

Care coverage extension for long-term vacationers

Feb. 20, 2013

VICTORIA – Amendments introduced today to the Medicare Protection Act will create authority to set regulations that would allow British Columbians who take longer-term vacations out of the province, such as “snow birds”, to stay on holidays for an extra period of time.

ATTENTION ALL B.C. SENIORS
Have your new BC Services Card ready for inspection for discounts at BC Ferries

Feb. 18, 2013

VICTORIA – BC Ferries is advising seniors with the new BC Services Card to present the new card to the ticket agent for inspection to obtain the seniors’ discount.

New BC Services Card replaces CareCard

Feb. 15, 2013

VANCOUVER – British Columbians can now replace their CareCard with the new BC Services Card.

Delta receives Age-friendly BC grant

Feb. 8, 2013

DELTA – Delta seniors will benefit from a $20,000 age-friendly grant to help address the needs of the municipality’s senior residents.

More B.C. seniors to benefit from Better at Home

Jan. 28, 2013

LANGLEY – Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan joined the United Way of the Lower Mainland to announce that the Better at Home program is more than tripling the number of sites, adding 38 new locations including First Nations communities around the province.

Surrey receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 24, 2013

SURREY – Surrey seniors will benefit from a $20,000 Age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the city’s older residents.

Kent receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 22, 2013

AGASSIZ – Kent seniors will benefit from a $15,000 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the district’s older residents. The District of Kent is one of 27 communities receiving grants for 2013.

Mission receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 21, 2013

MISSION – Mission seniors will benefit from a $20,000 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the district’s older residents. The District of Mission is one of 27 communities receiving grants for 2013.

Health Minister’s statement on National Non-Smoking Week

Jan. 21, 2013

VICTORIA – Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid has issued the following statement in recognition of National Non-Smoking Week from Jan. 20 to 26, Weedless Wednesday on Jan. 23 and to acknowledge the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program:

“Smoking increases many health risks, including lung cancer, throat and oral cancer, heart disease, stroke and emphysema. For long-term smokers, it’s never a bad time to quit. Through the Smoking Cessation Program, hundreds of thousands of British Columbians are taking active steps towards making a healthy choice for themselves and their families. Quitting smoking and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke greatly improves both quality of life and lifespan.

Port Alberni receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 20, 2013

PORT ALBERNI – Port Alberni seniors will benefit from a $20,000 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the city’s older residents. The City of Port Alberni is one of 27 communities receiving grants for 2013.

Parksville receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 19, 2013

PARKSVILLE – Parksville seniors will benefit from a $19,810 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of the area’s older residents.

West Vancouver receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 14, 2013

WEST VANCOUVER – West Vancouver seniors will benefit from a $20,000 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of older residents in the district.

Bowen Island receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 14, 2013

BOWEN ISLAND – Bowen Island seniors will benefit from a $19,993 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of older residents.

 

Williams Lake receives Age-friendly BC grant

Jan. 9, 2013

WILLIAMS LAKE – Williams Lake seniors will benefit from a $20,000 age-friendly grant to help create programs or tools that address the needs of older residents.

Twenty-seven communities receive Age-friendly BC grants

Jan. 8, 2013

100 MILE HOUSE – Seniors in 100 Mile House and throughout the province will benefit as 27 communities receive grants of up to $20,000 to help create programs or tools that address the needs of their older residents.

BC Services Card to replace CareCard

Jan. 7, 2013

VICTORIA – Starting Feb. 15, 2013, and over the next five years, eligible British Columbians between the ages of 19 and 74 will be required to replace their CareCard with the new BC Services Card by renewing their enrolment in the Medical Services Plan.

 

2012 News

Chinese version of BC Seniors’ Guide now available

Dec. 17, 2012

RICHMOND – The latest edition of the BC Seniors Guide with information on services, programs and tips on healthy aging is now available in Chinese, announced Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan.

BC Seniors’ Guide now available in French (disponible en français en bas de page)

Dec. 17, 2012

VICTORIA – Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan announced today that the latest edition of the BC Seniors’ Guide that contains information on services, programs and tips on healthy aging is available in French.

BC Seniors’ Guide now available in Punjabi

Dec. 17, 2012

SURREY – The latest edition of the BC Seniors’ Guide is now available in Punjabi, announced Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan.

New tools to improve care for those with dementia

Nov. 22, 2012

RICHMOND – Individuals with dementia, their families, physicians and care providers now have new resources to help them better understand and manage the disease and provide a better quality of life for British Columbians affected by dementia.

Is your community age-friendly? Apply for recognition

Nov. 6, 2012

WEST VANCOUVER – Local governments can now apply to have their efforts in creating supportive environments for their community’s seniors recognized.

Preventing falls keeps seniors independent

Nov. 5, 2012

VICTORIA – Falls are the most common cause of injury for B.C. seniors, despite evidence that shows most are preventable. Nov. 5-11 is Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week, created to raise awareness around the prevention of falls and injuries among older adults.

B.C. celebrates Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week

November 5-11, 2012

The B.C. government has proclaimed November 5-11, 2012, as Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week to raise awareness around the prevention of falls and injuries among older adults, and to encourage leadership and collaboration among health authorities across the province.

B.C. celebrates Health Care Assistant Day

October 18, 2012

VICTORIA – The government of British Columbia has proclaimed today, Oct. 18, 2012, as Health Care Assistant Day to recognize the frontline service that health-care assistants provide for seniors and others in care.

Redesigned online and print resources for seniors

October 1, 2012

RICHMOND - Seniors and their families now have easier access to all the information they need online and in print with a redesigned SeniorsBC website and a new edition of the BC Seniors' Guide.

Minister of State for Seniors Ralph Sultan showed off the new edition of the BC Seniors' Guide at the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British Columbia (COSCO) conference in Richmond today, International Day of Older Persons.

New community health project in Mission moves forward

July 15, 2012

MISSION – Construction is now underway on the Mission Community Health Project, which includes a new community health centre and 200-bed campus of care for seniors.

The FVRHD provided $22 million toward the $31.2 million campus of care for seniors project, with the balance of funding coming from Fraser Health and the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. Fraser Health and the FVRHD view this project as an innovative prototype for communities throughout Fraser Valley.

B.C. recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2012

VICTORIA — June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and for the seventh year, B.C. joins jurisdictions around the world in raising awareness of the abuse of older adults. B.C. also continues work on developing strategies that support and protect seniors.

British Columbians are encouraged to wear purple today to show their support for the elimination of abuse of older adults.

Phone line helps seniors with health-care concerns

June 5, 2012

VANCOUVER – The new Seniors Health Care Support Line is now available to provide seniors and their families with support for health-care-related issues that they may have had trouble resolving.

Ron Cantelon, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health made the announcement today at the fourth of 10 public consultations taking place throughout the province on the role and function of a seniors’ advocate.

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