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On October 19th Canadians will be going to the polls.   Seniors in our communities who have traditionally been the most likely to vote and seem to truly understand that it is a democratic right that must be exercised have so much at stake in this election.  The senior population has exploded in Canada as the baby boomers age.  Health Care, home care and resources that support this most vulnerable demographic are more than strained.  Where do the major parties stand on issues that impact our aging loved ones?

SENIORS

Conservative Party of Canada

  • Would extend a retraining program for older workers.
  • Would increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
  • Would change sentencing laws to take into account age and vulnerability for crimes against seniors.

Liberal Party of Canada

  • Offer $700 million to boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
  • Would expand the Canada Pension Plan.
  • Promise a voluntary, tax-deductible savings plan.
  • Will tackle stranded pension plans i.e. manage private pension plans after a corporate bankruptcy.

New Democratic Party

  • Pledge to support $700 million increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
  • Would work with the provinces to double the Canada and Quebec pension plans.
  • Would protect pensioners and those on disability are protected when the company goes bankrupt.
  • Support making home care an insured service under the Canada Health Act
  • Pledge more money for long-term care beds
  • Would double loan amounts for Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence program.
  • Promise tougher penalties for elder abuse.
  • Would work with the provinces to make voluntary contributions to public pensions possible.

HEALTH CARE

Conservative Party of Canada

  • Promises incentives for doctors and nurses to practice in rural and remote areas.
  • Would fund Brain Canada research.
  • Pledge defibrillators and proper training in every recreational hockey arena.

Liberal Party of Canada

  • Would convene a first ministers meeting on health care within 60 days.
  • Promises a Canadian brain health strategy.
  • Wants a Canadian health promotion strategy to reduce obesity.
  • Has an appetite for a national food policy to encourage healthier eating, and clearer food labeling.
  • Offers incentives for doctors and nurses to practice in rural and remote areas.
  • Would work with the provinces to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

New Democratic Party

  • Commit to six per cent escalator for health care funding.
  • Pledges $165 million to hire more doctors and nurses, repatriate Canadian health care workers practicing abroad and fix credentials for foreign doctors.
  • Would create a Children's Nutrition Initiative to provide healthy food in schools.
  • Pledge to create a Canadian Food Strategy to encourage healthier eating.

Green Party of Canada

  • Create a Canadian Disabilities Act and basic income program for the disabled.Would create a national food plan that focuses on local grown, health choices.
  • Calls on every party to endorse the five principles of the Canada Health Act.
  • Would create a national pharmacare plan.