(September 2, 2022, St. John’s) – Jeff Dwyer, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Children, Seniors, and Social Development and MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue, says concerns from community advocates regarding the financial abuse of seniors, calls into question the Liberal delay in implementing the Adult Protection Act.

“My heart goes out to the seniors of this province who have been the victims of abuse, especially those who have been the victims of financial abuse and have been left deflated, confused, and stressed to visit their bank branch only to find that their money has vanished. As a society we must do our best to protect our seniors from all forms of abuse,” said Dwyer.

Dwyer called on the Liberal Government to do more to help seniors and other vulnerable adults.

“The issue of senior abuse is complex and multiple strategies are needed to prevent it from occurring. One mechanism, which the Liberal government has, available is the Adult Protection Act, which applies to the abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults. This legislation was debated and passed unanimously in the House of Assembly in November 2021, but the Liberals have not yet implemented it,” outlined Dwyer.

“The Liberal Minister must do more to help seniors who are at risk of abuse, including explaining why the Act has taken so long to implement.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca