PCs avoid taking action for seniors by running out the clock on Bill 208

EDMONTON, AB (December 2, 2013): Today, Wildrose Seniors Critic Kerry Towle made the following statement after the PC government avoided taking action to protect seniors by running out the clock on debate of Bill 208: The Seniors’ Advocate Act:

“It is with grief today that Alberta witnessed the PC government show yet again it is only acting in its own interests and has lost sight of the needs of vulnerable Albertans.

“By running out the clock on debate on Bill 208, the PCs have ensured it will never get to a vote and will disappear from the legislative agenda when the session wraps up this week. This bill was introduced on Dec. 5, 2012 – almost one full year ago. For a government that can ram bad legislation through the Legislature in a matter of days, this delay is unacceptable.

“The Seniors’ Advocate Act would create an independent Seniors’ Advocate to truly represent the interests of seniors in the legislature. Instead, the PC government created what essentially amounts to a ministerial employee who will be on the beck and call for the Minister of Health, and will not be looking out for the interests of Alberta’s seniors, nor investigating systematic issues that arise, nor holding the government accountable for the services it provides.

“Today, Albertans were again reminded of the dire need for an independent advocate, who could have helped in the case of Violet MacDonald, who suffered months of abuse due to neglect and maltreatment. This is not a one-off case, there may be others like it – and we owe it to our seniors to ensure every means to achieve dignified quality care.

“This means we must have an independent Seniors’ Advocate. Wildrose is committed to protecting the dignity of seniors, and will continue to push forward for a truly independent voice for seniors in the legislature.”