Association volunteers participated in budget campaigns across Canada to spread awareness of the need for investments in primary care, long-term care and caregiver support.
In addition to the federal budget consultations currently underway, with a federal budget coming on March 28, Canada’s provinces are also developing their 2023-2024 budgets. And many provinces have announced consultations to gauge the public’s priorities and support for future expenditures.
The process of developing and passing provincial budgets, as well as public consultations, presents a unique opportunity for the National Association of Federal Retirees (Federal Retirees) and its members to participate in the shaping of policies and financial programs that support health care, long-term care and home care together with other issues that matter to federal retirees, veterans and older Canadians.
As part of these consultations, advocacy program officers (APOs) in Alberta, Manitoba,Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island — provinces that have recently held or will soon hold elections — provided written recommendations that focus on Federal Retirees’ priorities.
Federal Retirees’ 2023 provincial budget recommendations are:
- Improve access to basic primary care.
- Improve the availability of long-term care and home care services.
- Improve financial support and investments in tools and programs to assist informal caregivers.
This advocacy initiative ensures the Association’s voice continues to be heard at the provincial level, whether or not an election is approaching. By continuing to engage elected representatives between provincial election campaigns, the Federal Retirees’ community can ensure its priorities are front and centre.
Thank you to our APOs who supported this effort — Maria Fitzpatrick (Alberta), Cynthia Foreman (Manitoba), Sharon McGovern (Ontario) with support from Karen Dekold (Ontario) and Sheila Ducarme (Ontario), Joanne Granger (Quebec) and Anne McEwen (Prince Edward Island).
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.