If you don’t know the name and reputation of BC’s Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie, you most likely don’t have any interest in 26 per cent of the population that’s over 65 in the Kootenays. In Castlegar alone that’s over 2,000 seniors. Isobel has literally carried the load for BC seniors for over 10 years, vigorously advocating for improving services for seniors throughout the province.
So, what did Isobel do? This seniors advocate, a position created by the previous government, worked tirelessly, basically monitoring seniors’ services, analyzing them, then making recommendations on health care, housing, income support, and community support to the present government. Small, incremental changes have been the result but much more work is ahead as the senior population in all our communities continues to swell.
On Friday, Feb. 23, you can hear her in person at the Sandman Hotel from 10 to 11:30 a.m. one last time before she retires. Isobel will be releasing a report outlining the specific challenges faced by seniors living in rural communities and you’ll get your chance to say what you think is working and what’s not working for seniors in Castlegar.
We know the big issues in our community are health care and housing. Let’s show our support for the work of this champion after 10 years as a fierce advocate for seniors and their families.
Leni Normington
Castlegar, BC