According to Mackenzie's report, there was a 78 per cent increase in the use of food banks by B.C. seniors in the last five years. (supplied)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

B.C. seniors have lowest financial support in Canada, says advocate

Sep 22, 2022 | 2:32 PM

VICTORIA — A new report says seniors in B.C. are having a harder time getting by than seniors in other parts of Canada.

Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie said British Columbia ranks last among Canada’s provinces and territories in providing key financial support for seniors.

In a report released by her office, it found the province provides the lowest support for seniors in nine areas, including home support, eye exams, hearing aids and monthly supplements.

Mackenzie said she was surprised to see B.C. at the bottom of the list.

“We (B.C.) only provide two out of those nine. Alberta provides seven, the Yukon provides all nine, Manitoba and New Brunswick only provide three, and Ontario provides seven.”

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Her report said 45 per cent of B.C.’s one million seniors are living on an income equivalent to less than the minimum wage and 25 per cent live on less than $21,000 annually.

“When we look at this overall picture, we have to acknowledge that B.C. seniors are not getting the same level of financial support and subsidies for the things that they need as seniors are in other provinces and territories across the country.”

The report outlining the financial struggles facing B.C. seniors makes 10 recommendations, including indexing the seniors supplement to inflation and redesigning the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program to reflect rental realities.

Mackenzie says the government should also provide annual bus passes and transportation services for seniors with accessibility issues.

The B.C. government was not immediately available for comment on the findings.

-With files by The Canadian Press