MÉTIS SENIORS STRATEGY

By Hank Rowlinson

 

Our seniors have been a concern of mine for many years but it really hit home about 6 years ago when my wife and I decided to move from Ottawa back to her home town of Sudbury so we were able to spend more time with her aging parents. I am grateful for those years I was able to spend quality time with my father in law; he always treated me as a son, became my mentor and my best friend. 

 

A short time after we relocated to Sudbury, his health began to deteriorate.  I watched a once proud man needing to depend on others for his daily care and it was heartbreaking. I was so thankful that I was able to spend be there providing friendship and support for him before his passing.

 

If I have learned anything from campaigning in this election, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, is that we are missing the cries for help from our seniors and their families. The financial, emotional and mental needs of many of our seniors and their families are in crisis and have been sorely neglected.

 

I have been making numerous personal calls during this campaign and have had the opportunity to speak to a number of our seniors and family members spending time listening to their heartfelt stories; All with common themes, that they wish to remain in their home for as long as they can, financial worries living on a fixed income, they don’t want to burden their children or loved ones.  I have also heard from families that are struggling to provide the care needed because of lack of programs or services, or the lack of affordable or subsidized long-term care facilities.  

 

With your support, I commit to working with the MNO elected leadership to consult with our seniors and develop a Métis Seniors Strategy to include a Seniors Support Committee to help address their needs.