Alberta seniors advocate speaks at SCAC’s annual meet
The time since the Veiner Centre was flooded was mentioned several times at a seniors meeting Wednesday but the mayor promised the new centre will be worth waiting for.
In three weeks, March 9, bids to construct the expanded and renovated facility will be opened, Mayor Ted Clugston told an audience of about 60 at Strathcona Centre during the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee’s annual general meeting. The finished product will be a “premier” facility.
New committee members were elected at the AGM. Raye-Nevonne Smith and Grant Bray did not run for re-election, and Gordon Nott, while remaining on the committee, has served the maximum time as chair. One of the new faces on the committee is retired teacher Allan Bloomfield. Others on the committee are: Sue Masterman, Paul Nederveen, Sandy Seifert, Arne Handley, Arlette Spencer, LaVerne Noble, Linda Hygard and Rod Sommerfeld.
In an emotional speech, Nott thanked the committee for its hard work in a term of office that was “unique and challenging.” Seniors have been “so patient and understanding” during the process of achieving a new seniors centre, he said.
The special guest speaker at the event was Alberta’s seniors advocate Sheree Kwong See, who has been in the position since September. Her office handles resolution and conflict support for seniors, and identifies systemic issues the government will be advised on.
The office is not simply another “help desk,” said Kwong See. Staff link seniors up with the appropriate supports they need and advocate for policy change. Kwong See reports directly to the minister for seniors. An annual report is submitted to the minister and is tabled in the legislature.
There is no legislation restricting the role of the office. It is therefore able to operate and determine what will be in the best interests of seniors in the province, she said.
Some of the issues of concern to seniors were expressed by people in the audience. These included the high cost of dental care, rent increases that are not feasible, and the cost of medications — specifically those for blood pressure.
You can contact the office of the seniors advocate toll free at 1-844-6440682 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The website is seniorsadvocate.alberta.ca, and email address seniors.advocate@gov.ab.ca.