Federal Retirees volunteers Christine Haynes, Shawna Murphy and Richard Simpson connected with Corey Tochor, MP for Saskatoon—University, on addressing problems in long-term care.
Saskatoon branch volunteers Christine Haynes, acting president and Shawna Murphy, advocacy officer, along with Richard Simpson, Saskatchewan advocacy program officer (APO) Richard Simpson, met with two of their Reach 338 target MPs in May.
Reach 338 is a nationwide network of advocates working to ensure that Federal Retirees’ advocacy work reaches elected officials in all 338 Canadian ridings. To meet this ambitious goal, Reach 338 targets are shared within the network, offering guidance on MPs to contact and next steps to take.
In two separate meetings, volunteers met with Kelly Block, MP for Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek and Corey Tochor, MP for Saskatoon—University, along with his chief of staff, Helen Harvey. Saskatoon branch volunteers last met with these MPs in 2021, and it was time to meet with them again to ensure Federal Retirees’ priorities are top of mind.
Both meetings began with Federal Retirees volunteers briefly outlining the membership composition, general purpose and goals of the Association. At the outset and several times during the meeting, volunteers emphasized that Federal Retirees advocates for all older Canadians, not only for members.
Haynes highlighted the importance of Federal Retirees’ ongoing partnership with the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Mechanism and its role in addressing issues such as support for aging-in-place and long-term care reform.
Murphy introduced the topic of long-term care, referring to both institutional care and home supports as part of a continuum of care that warrants attention. She cited data that showed 80 per cent of COVID-19 deaths occurred in long-term care homes. She also shared her own family’s experience with a care home, which was challenging.
“The problems surrounding institutional care are complex, especially given the demographic projections which show the need for long-term care beds in Canada increasing substantially in future years,” said Haynes.
The Federal Retirees campaign calling for national long-term care standards to be implemented, with funding and accountability was discussed as an important first step in addressing the problems in long-term care.
Returning to the theme of a continuum of care, Murphy explained how aging-in-place and supporting care-at-home could reduce the burden of expanding the capacity of institutional care. She referred to a Queen’s University study, which calculated that care-at-home was one-third the cost of care in a long-term care facility and an even smaller fraction of what hospitalization costs.
Simpson reinforced the argument about the substantial cost savings that would come from adopting a more holistic approach, mentioning that this was the basis for Federal Retirees’ recent collaboration with the Saskatchewan Seniors’ Mechanism to support their Home Supports Initiative.
“What is required, however, is adopting a different mindset and creative model-building at all levels of government,” noted Simpson.
During the meeting, Block offered to bring some forward the points made by Federal Retirees to her colleagues, specifically Stephen Ellis, shadow minister for health and Anna Roberts, shadow minister for seniors.
Wondering that Reach 338 target MPs may be in your area and how you can get started meeting them? Contact your local branch or email advocacyteam@federalretirees.ca to learn more.
About Advocacy Spotlight
Advocacy Spotlight showcases successful initiatives and projects put forward by our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
The National Association of Federal Retirees has a proud history of advocacy on behalf of our members and all retirees. In collaboration with our volunteers and supporters from coast-to-coast, we continue this tradition of strong, smart advocacy campaigns focused on improvements to the financial security, health and well-being of our members and all Canadians. Our success is not only measured in policy changes and legislation. It grows with every meaningful discussion with parliamentarians, and with every email and letter written. Together, we are achieving and surpassing our strategic advocacy goals and targets every day.