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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
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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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
- Read more...
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.
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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.
- Read more...
More 2012 News
- Consultations kick-off on seniors advocate (May 29, 2012)
- New videos help create an Age-friendly BC (April 25, 2012)
- Foldable lenses for cataract patients to be covered (April 18, 2012)
- B.C. celebrates Advance Care Planning Day (April 16, 2012)
- Renovation tax credit helps B.C. seniors stay in their own homes (March 28, 2012)
- $55M reinvested into residential care, clients benefit (March 27, 2012)
- Year one analysis of the reinvestment in residential care revenue (PDF)
- French-language healthy eating guide supports seniors (disponible en francais en bas de page) (March 20, 2012)
- Government of Canada introduces Legislation to Better Protect Seniors (March 15, 2012)
- Seniors to shape advocate's role as part of action plan (February 14, 2012)
- Fifty-two communities receive Age-friendly BC grants (February 7, 2012)
2011 News
- Healthy Aging through Fall Prevention among Older Aboriginal People: From Many Voices to a Shared Vision (Nov. 21, 2011) (PDF)
- Seniors' Fall Prevention Awareness Week Summary 2010 and 2011
- B.C. Seniors’ Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2011
- Active Aging Symposium 2011 Report (PDF)
- Parliamentary Secretary's Message - October 2011
- Making Future Health Care Decisions
- Creating Age-friendly Businesses
- Seniors Healthy Living Secretariat Attends Campbell River Diversity Health Fair
- Senior Athletes Shine in 2011 BC Seniors Games
- 35th Annual BC Elders Gathering Held July 12-14, 2011
- Parliamentary Secretary's Message - July 2011
- Talking to Seniors About Planning
- Seniors Celebrate Seniors Week
- Celebrating BC Seniors Week with Circuits 4 Seniors
- BC Seniors' Week
- Healthy Eating for Seniors Handbook - Now Available in French
- Age-Friendly BC
- Seniors' Healthy Living Secretariat Asks: How Can we Communicate Better?
- Seniors' Healthy Living 2011 Report on Progress (PDF)
- Community Actions for Seniors' Independence (CASI) - Pilot communities share successes and challenges at February meeting
2010 News
- BC Seniors Games 2010: A Tremendous Success
- Supporting Elders and Seniors to Live Well at Elders Gathering
- COSCO Delivers Health Promotion Workshops at 34th Annual Elders Gathering
- Healthy Eating for Seniors Audio Book: Now Available at Local Libraries!
- B.C. National Aboriginal Day Celebration June 21, 2010
- Simon Fraser University: Seniors Program DVDs Promote Healthy Living Through Lifelong Learning
- Seniors' Community Parks - Global BC News Hour