P.E.I. election campaign turns attention to seniors' issues
Seniors' issues took centre stage in the Prince Edward Island election campaign over the weekend with all political parties saying they are committed to better supporting seniors.
At the midpoint of the provincial election campaign, leaders say the aging population on P.E.I. needs more attention, with taxes, housing, and health care the top priorities.
During a visit to Garden Home, a long term care facility in Charlottetown, PC Leader Rob Lantz said his party would reduce the co-pay on medications by 20 per cent.
"The big thing I came here to announce — seniors drug program — this is something we've been hearing loud and clear across Prince Edward Island," he said.
Seniors at Garden Home agreed, saying long-term care on P.E.I. needs to be addressed.
'I never got to go home'
Garden Home resident Lloyd Ford said he is watching the campaign with interest.
"Health care and the drug plan and all that, is important," he said. "I know it's important to me."
Ford said he would rather be in his own home. Instead, his wife comes to visit seven days a week — and stays for eight hours at a time.
"She took me to the doctor, they put me in the hospital for four weeks, and then I wound up here," he said. "I never got to go home."
The Green Party said it is committed to keeping seniors at home and minimizing their drug costs. The party said basic income guarantee would offer more independence to low-income seniors.
NDP Leader Mike Redmond said his party is focused on creating a fair tax system and minimizing expenses for seniors on fixed incomes.
The Liberals said the party would introduce a new seniors tax credit. The party also said it would also help seniors stay at home longer by hiring paramedics to visit seniors at home to administer medical care.
