If Cariboo Regional District Area A director Mary Sjostrom had it her way B.C. would have a ministry or minister of state for rural B.C.
“The fastest growing areas with seniors is in rural B.C.,” Sjostrom said during the regular CRD board meeting Friday, March 1.
A recent report, Challenges Facing B.C.’s Rural Seniors, from the Office of the Seniors Advocate, found the lack of resources and supports in rural B.C. are making aging in those areas particularly challenging.
In the report, seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie made a recommendation that the province create a ministry or minister devoted to rural B.C.
Inspired by that recommendation, Sjostrom worked with CRD communications manager Gerald Pinchbeck to pen a resolution for the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) endorsing the suggestion.
“A greater and more focused provincial response to ongoing concerns about inequities in services and supports for seniors in rural B.C. is required to address the inadequacies of current approaches,” the resolution noted.
During Friday’s board meeting the resolution was endorsed unanimously.
Sjostrom was additionally inspired to raise her concerns after attending a meeting with Mackenzie in Quesnel.
“It was an eye-opener to learn about the lack of support overall in all ministries in rural B.C.,” Sjostrom said.
Electoral Area D director Steve Forseth thanked Sjostrom for the resolution, adding it is not a new request.
“I have a feeling this will be supported at NCLGA,” Forseth said. “We are going to have to push more and more because the cohort of seniors is only going to grow.”
CRD chair Margo Wagner praised the work of Mackenzie, saying she has been a wonderful advocate.
“She has certainly done more than I think was ever anticipated.”
Sjostrom said Pinchbeck sent the draft resolution to Mackenzie’s office just to make sure they were not missing anything.
Mackenzie will be retiring on April 5 and will be replaced by Dan Levitt.
With files from Jane Skrypnek
READ MORE: Seniors in rural B.C. have worse access to health care and housing: report
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