Lorna Dittmar, chair of the Prince George Council of Seniors advocacy committee, has high hopes for the newly appointed provincial seniors' advocate.
"I'm pleased," said Dittmar. "That is what we wanted because we do need somebody to help seniors navigate the system because it can be really difficult."
Isobel Mackenzie, Canada's first seniors advocate, was appointed Wednesday morning by Health Minister Terry Lake.
"Isobel Mackenzie brings with her 18 years of experience working on behalf of seniors at a local, provincial and national level," said Lake. "I am confident that we have found a strong voice for British Columbia's nearly 700,000 seniors and I welcome Isobel as our first seniors advocate."
The seniors advocate, beginning March 31, will monitor seniors services, work with seniors, their families, policy makers and service providers to address issues and offer advice to government on ways to help the increasing number of seniors living in B.C.
"The only issue I have is the advocate will report to government," said Dittmar. "We were hoping for somebody that could be independent and tell the government this is the way it is. It's still a step in the right direction. You know, a strong person can make a big difference."
Seniors need a person who will speak up and make sure to stick up for the individuals in need, added Dittmar.
"I have spent nearly two decades working directly with seniors, their families and their care providers and learning about the individual issues that affect seniors as they age and receive care," said Mackenzie. "I am honoured to accept this important position and look forward to applying my experience as I set priorities and establish my mandate in the coming weeks and months."
After holding public consultations across the province, the government introduced Bill 10, making it the first in the nation to pass legislation to create a seniors advocate office as part of the Seniors Action Plan.
