Prince George is joining the call to government for pension reform so that low income seniors can at least reach Canada’s poverty line of about $25,000 a year.
Ken Aitchison is the organizer of the Prince George protest that invites anyone interested in supporting the cause to peacefully gather in front of the government building at 1520 Third Avenue in downtown Prince George on Thursday, March 21 at 11 a.m.
The Prince George demonstration will take place in conjunction with similar events around the province including Terrace, Kamloops, Vernon, White Rock, Vancouver and Ladysmith.
Carol Fawcett, a Vernon senior started the grassroots group called Tin Cup, Seniors Rights Matter, in partnership with Sharon Elliot in Vancouver.
“There’s a lot of seniors living below the poverty line and that’s not really fair,” Aitchison said. “Because of circumstances beyond their control seniors are suffering. I’ve been looking at a lot of statistics and 28 per cent of senior women are living in poverty, according to the Broadbent Institute. The number of seniors living in poverty keeps increasing every year. The baby boomers have worked all their lives and due to circumstances beyond their control can’t afford to live a decent lifestyle with high rent and cost of living increases.”
Aitchison added many seniors’ incomes are around $17,000 a year, leaving them to make tough choices between getting required medications or groceries each month.
“We’re hoping to bring some attention to the situation,” Aitchison said.
Everyone is welcome to attend the peaceful gathering in Prince George.
The local group is looking for someone to take the lead for the cause.
For more information about Tin Cup visit www.seniorstincup.org/wp/.
