In case petition supporters have not heard of this on CBC Radio, Quebec’s Premier Legault has appointed the Hon. Marguerite Blais as “Minister of Seniors and Informal Caregivers”.
Quebec's new ministry takes a much bolder step than the federal government’s appointment of the Hon. Filomena Tassi as “Minister of Seniors”. It recognizes the important role played by family caregivers in the provision of home care. Without their immense contribution -- estimated to be 25 billion dollars per year by Statscan -- Canada’s health system would collapse under the sheer weight of its rapidly aging population.
If this bold move is happening only in Quebec, then it's a pity for it should be happening nationally; the federal government and Hon. Filomena Tassi need to respond without further delay to this petition’s demand for a national plan. More provinces and territories will likely consider moving in Quebec’s bold direction, as did Manitoba long ago with its Caregiver Act -- and even Donald Trump’s America, which passed its own legislation last year with surprising bipartisan unanimity!
We think it’s high time legislatures at all levels recognize the need to support those who receive their loved ones with open arms following ever-shorter hospital stays.
Over 32,000 of you have already signed this petition, and more will do so after hearing of Quebec’s bold initiative. Our petition urges the federal government to develop a national plan for consistent supports across Canada -- because only a strategic plan can bring equity and prepare for the first of its 10 million baby-boomers reaching 80 in 2026.
As we prepare for a federal election, we must raise the issue of Canada’s rapidly aging population at every opportunity. Let's attend public meetings and ask candidates to take a stand on strengthening supports for informal (unpaid) caregivers.
We simply cannot wait for another four-year election cycle before adopting a plan to soften the silver tsunami’s initial impact in seven years!
Time is running out to avert a crisis of colossal proportions.
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The above photo was posted on the CBC Radio website, and includes the following information:
François Legault, left, on the hustings with CAQ candidates Marilyne Picard and Marguerite Blais, speaking with André Thibault, whose mother Marie-France Beaudry founded the group Parents pour toujours. (submitted by Marie-France Beaudry)
For further information please go to:
http://www4.gouv.qc.ca/en/Portail/Citoyens/Evenements/aines/Pages/service-soutien-domicile.aspx
https://globalnews.ca/news/4426794/quebec-parties-promise-more-spending-for-seniors-care/