In Alberta, the cost of housing a prisoner for one day is $108, paid for solely by the Alberta government.  If Alberta seniors were to receive a comparable amount for housing, they would live very well indeed!  Liz Allchin, Vice-President of Seniors United Now (SUN) says that the inequities in spending are significant.  “Not by any stretch are we suggesting that seniors receive funding of this magnitude, but it is distressing that in a province where incarceration costs are comparably lower than other provinces, financial support to seniors on fixed incomes still falls short.”

Seniors on fixed incomes need financial assistance in order to continue to live independently.  Studies show that seniors and society benefit when seniors

live independently in their communities. Allchin says, "Despite the advantages to the province as a whole, a province whose senior population will double

by 2020, Alberta does not have a realistic plan for seniors to remain independently in their communities. 

The Alberta government has the power to enable seniors on a fixed income to remain independent and at the same time maintain their quality of life.  Alberta needs:

• Rent controls - Without rent controls, the living arrangements of seniors on fixed incomes are in jeopardy.
• Increased thresholds for Alberta Seniors Benefits - With a designated annual income threshold of $22,200 for single seniors and $35,900 for senior couples, meeting the costs of living becomes a challenge.  The increase in utility costs alone have caused considerable strain for many seniors.
• Enhanced medical coverage -

v                  With the ever-increasing cost of drugs, coverage levels have become insufficient.  An increase in coverage levels is desperately needed.

v                  Physiotherapy coverage is almost non-existent and needs to be greatly enhanced.

v                  Medical or personal homecare are generally underfunded and often seniors are required to pay for it privately.  Greater funding is essential.

v                  Optical and dental coverage are also set at impractical levels and should be re-evaluated.

Seniors require fair and equitable treatment.  They need realistic programs of support to enable those on fixed incomes a reasonable quality of life.  With an election on the horizon, SUN invites and encourages those who wish to govern to seriously consider these concepts, and those who vote to ask the questions.