A look at the 2021 Federal and British Columbia Budgets

Brett Book, CanAge Policy Advisor recently wrote an article for the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, examining the recently announced Federal and British Columbia budgets.

Brett is a graduated Doctor of Law and has helped CanAge in the last year advocate for seniors’ rights.

Excerpt on the 2021 Federal Budget

“The government has made some noteworthy investments in areas that affect the lives of older Canadians. Unfortunately, as we move into a new budget, the government still hasn’t met their 2019 commitment by distributing any of the $50 million promised towards a National Dementia Strategy. Additionally, the budget lacks fundamental caregiver supports for seniors’ care and specific investments in the Age-Tech sector to support innovation and growth. While there were welcomed changes to OAS, the budget also failed to eradicate mandatory RRIF withdrawals at 70, an area of major concern for older Canadians.”

Excerpt on the British Columbia Budget

“While there is applause for increasing the Senior’s Supplement and providing support to older British Columbians aging at home, the budget falls short on funding and access to adult vaccinations, including flu-shots designated for seniors (especially in long-term care). Advocates lament that B.C.’s budget also lacks a substantive investment in long-term care and assisted living, investment in dementia and cognitive impairment, caregiver tax credits or supports, investment in programs to curb loneliness and social isolation, investment in preventing elder abuse and neglect, justice system and legal aid supports for seniors, and preventative health programs for older British Columbia.”