What will you do to address affordable housing for seniors?
Judy Southern — Qualicum Beach Seniors Centre
Barbara Biley, MLPC
There must be a prohibition of private for-profit operators in independent living, assisted living and long term care. The MLPC says existing facilities should have to report their profits, the level of care provided and staff-patient ratios as a first step towards the elimination of profit-taking from the care of the chronically ill and infirm elders. All long-term care institutions must provide facilities for patient-family councils who will also report on the care provided.
Myron Jespersen, Green Party
Housing for seniors is a key component of our call for a National Affordable Housing plan which among other things would include low income rental supplements to tenants and credit and loan guarantees for the building and restoration of quality, energy-efficient housing for seniors.
James Lunney, Conservative Party
Through CMHC we have built centers for Low-Income Seniors in Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Hustwick Place is under construction in Parksville. We are working with the Province to expand opportunities.
Zeni Maartman, New Democratic Party
It simply isn’t right that those who have contributed so much cannot live in dignity. New Democrats will strengthen pensions to put more money in seniors’ pockets. We will also enact NDP legislation to create an affordable housing strategy, and provide significant new funding for seniors housing.
Renee Miller, Liberal Party
A Liberal government will provide substantial new investment in affordable housing for seniors and low income families. In addition to housing, a Liberal government will enhance the Canada Pension Plan, create a Compassionate Care program and improve the GIS.
Jesse Schroeder, Pirate Party
Stable prices will be achieved by developing a monetary system that is built upon a store of real value and production, something that we have an abundance of in this community. A home is more than a house and includes the concepts of family, security and longevity. Turning homes into houses of financial speculation has resulted in unpredictable prices and emptied the very pension funds that are supposed to feed and house the people that have built this nation.
Frank Wagner, Christian Heritage Party
My approach would be to make sure the seniors get their pension funds and let them use those funds to either rent or buy their housing. Let them take some of the responsibility for their housing. Just to build it, I’m not sure that would be my first choice.
Watch for more questions and answers between News readers and the candidates from now until our final election edition on April 29.