August 18, 2009
What is it really about? It’s not about talking slower, or louder.

With all the Town Hall meetings, Public Forums, Survey’s, Breakout Groups, and Task Force initiatives, one would think that the Government (of the day) has had ample opportunities to ‘get it right’.

But what exactly are they trying to get… or more poignantly, ‘why haven’t they’ (gotten it right)? Perhaps in reality it is our local politicians, and not the seniors, who need to be spoken to more slowly… perhaps we have yet to raise our voices loud enough (to be heard).

So what are seniors saying… quite simply – they’re saying ‘they’re angry’, (fed up, confused, sick and tired), but mostly, they are feeling unappreciated… a burden, rather than a contributing member of (today’s) society.

They are not saying they want everything for free.  Rather, they only want what we should all be hoping for – fair and equitable consideration.

Seniors have taken it upon themselves to organize… Organize their thoughts and opinions; their contributions, questions, references and resources; organized their friends and family; and most importantly, they have organized their voting preference(s).  If their personalized letters to the Premier, various Ministers, or constituency MLAs are not being heard… then it’s time to turn up the volume.  Doubt not that in the next provincial/federal election(s), seniors will use their voice… and hope to be heard loud and clear.

To our local politicians:  If you care to listen now, seniors want to know, ‘what is the government’s plan’ (what strategies are in place) to address:

o   long-term care fees

o   drug costs (and coverage)

o   long-term care spaces

o   elder abuse/personal safety

o   social and economic inequality

o   and so much more

For more information on Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN), visit http://www.seniorsunitednow.citymax.com.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:            Jacqueline Biollo, Executive  

                                                                        (780) 905-5200/(780) 929-6571

Alberta Seniors United Now (SUN)              Gordon Voth, President

unitenow@telus.net                                        (780) 449-1816

15, 2016 Sherwood Drive

Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3X3