(January 31, 2022) – Jeff Dwyer, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Children, Seniors, and Social Development and MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue, says he’s concerned the voices of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador are not being heard because of the long-vacant position of Seniors’ Advocate.

“Seniors concerns need to be heard and acted upon by this Liberal government. It’s been a difficult two years for our senior community, whether from the health concerns from the pandemic or the rising cost of food, or increasing waits for medical appointments. Yet, the Liberal government is choosing to make it more difficult for seniors to raise their voice,” said Dwyer.

“It’s been almost six months since the former Seniors’ Advocate retired from her position after years of representing the concerns of seniors in our province. Still, the position has yet to be filled and Minister Abbott has yet to bring forward a candidate to be approved by the House of Assembly.”

Dwyer says a vacancy between advocates is to be expected, but the delay between retirement and new appointment should never have lasted this long.

“Every day my office is fielding calls from seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with concerns on a wide variety of issues, with healthcare a common issue raised. The Seniors Advocate Office is a resource to assist government in addressing these concerns, but this government doesn’t believe it’s a priority,” said Dwyer.

“The Liberals introduced the office and the Liberals are leaving it forgotten, like just another campaign promise. The senior citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve better from their government.”
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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca