Dear Editor:
Re: Project for seniors in trouble, Burnaby NOW, March 20.
Your story points to significant problems with the priorities of the current government.
While the Liberals spend millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan ads, crucial services such as the Seniors Active in Living health program are facing cutbacks.
I recently visited the program at Confederation Seniors Centre and I was very impressed. There must have been 50 people or more - learning how to boost their immune systems, having their blood pressures monitored, doing chair exercises, receiving massages and foot care by qualified volunteers.
As the title of the program suggests, these activities are designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and keep them living independently longer.
The program has existed for 21 years but is now in jeopardy because of financial constraints imposed by the provincial government.
To me, this doesn't make sense. The value of a community-based program that helps seniors take responsibility for their own health and takes the pressure off of the more expensive acute care system is self-evident.
This is why we need a new government with better priorities. We need a government that will invest in our seniors instead of spending millions on self-serving ads.
Janet Routledge, NDP candidate, Burnaby North
