Government increases rates: Clients have no say
By 2031 the baby-boomer generation will have turned 65 years of age and the number of
senior Cctizens could more than double the number of children in Canada.
Did you know if you or a loved one has to be placed in residential care, the rates will be
80 per cent of the individuals annual after tax income? Some people are left with less than
$275 per month to pay for all other expenses which include wheelchairs, medical
braces, non prescription medicines, cable vision, clothing, transportation and other basic
needs. Those under 65 years of age would also have to pay for prescription medicines. If a
couple chooses to income split for tax purposes it can impact pensions drastically. I have
heard that some couples have had to legally separate in order to make ends meet.
The Ministry of Health tells us that these rate increases will be reinvested back into the
delivery of care, but all I have seen are cutbacks.
Why do the taxpayers and the families not have a chance to voice their opinions on rate
increases and the quality of care we want our loved ones to receive?
Please attend a meeting to discuss this important issue on June 16, at 1237 4th
Avenue at 6:30 p.m. I am hoping that with more voices we will be heard.
Joanne Dally
Prince George
