2023-12-13

Bridgewater image catalyst for question about older adults in legislature

HALIFAX - NDP leader Claudia Chender tabled in the legislature an image originating out of Bridgewater to illustrate her inquiry during question period about the cost of living issues plaguing older adults.

The picture, originally shared on social media, showed a man standing along Dominion Street, not far from a coffee shop and mall plaza, with a sign that read: "senior couple, age 74 and 71, living in van for 5 weeks, need apartment and help."

Signs, like the man was carrying, are "increasingly common" because older adults "are facing the brunt of the rising cost of living," Chender told the House of Assembly during the recent fall session.

"Nearly one in 10 live in poverty. This is the highest ratio among people 65 and older. The poverty rate among those folks remains two-thirds higher in Nova Scotia than the national average."

Chender called on Premier Tim Houston to do more for older adults.

In response, Houston said his Progressive Conservative government recognizes the affordability challenges facing Nova Scotians and said the province is spending on programs impacting older adults and housing.

"Is there more work to be done? Of course there is As long as there's a government, there'll be things for them to do in terms of investing in Nova Scotians," Houston told the legislature. "I know it's easy in opposition to take a negative spin on everything, but there are people struggling, and we're trying to support those people."

Chender offered examples of other provincial jurisdictions, such as British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and in the Yukon territory, where top-up payments have been made on Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement pensions. "Here, seniors receive zero dollars a month automatically. They work their whole lives to contribute to our province," she said.

Houston suggested it's unfair to suggest the province is doing nothing; there is a seniors care grant available in Nova Scotia.

"We will always want to do more, but we do what we can," said the premier.

Chender countered: "So far, 'what we can' is not enough."

"We know we have invested over $300 million in housing issues in general: to support seniors, to support those who are unhoused, who are living rough, for sure," Houston added.

"One thing I would say to the member is that it is really important that existing affordable housing stock be reserved for those who truly need it. I would ask everyone in a leadership position to do their part to make sure that affordable housing stock is used only by those who truly need it."