Seniors' Federation Holds 33rd Convention 

By Jeremy House, The Georgian

August 12, 2008

Canada

"No fun- No life." This is the motto of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pensioners & Senior Citizens 50+ Federation president Don Holloway.

The group held their 33rd annual convention in Stephenville this past week. This is the federations 3rd visit to the area.

"We are the oldest and largest seniors' organization in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Holloway.

"We have well over a hundred seniors' clubs scattered across the province which include thousands and thousands of older adults as members."

The convention allows members of the federation to voice their concerns to government.

"Our main goal is to try and rectify the problems that seniors have everywhere," he said.

"Issues that affect us such as heating in the wintertime, and tax on funerals have made us very conscious of faults in the system."

In a list of resolutions put forward by the federation, they state the Harmonized Sales Tax of 13 per cent adds an extra burden to the families of low-income pensioners.

Therefore, the federation requests the provincial and federal governments eliminate the HST on all burial expenses.

The federation also formally requests the provincial and federal governments to continue implementing a heating subsidy for seniors and low-income families, and that all heating costs be included.

Minister of Education Joan Burke was a guest speaker at a closing banquet held by the federation.

She shared with the approximately 300 people in attendance some of the steps she said the provincial government has taken towards responding effectively to seniors' needs.

"We established a provincial advisory council on aging and seniors comprised of seniors and experts on aging, to advise government on matters related to the quality of life for seniors, and to facilitate public discussion on aging," said Minister Burke.

She also discussed a Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, which includes doubling the maximum benefits for the cost of living a senior can receive.

Minister Burke also said the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program budget has been increased to include more low-income families and individuals, and to make drugs more affordable.

"We have expanded the home heating rebate program which has put over $17 million back into the pockets of householders, including seniors."

Minister Burke also said construction of three new long-term care homes for the province will be completed this year.

Mr. Holloway said he is pleased with the changes the government has made.

"They have done most of what we requested. It's not the end still, there's more to be done, but it shows that someone cares," he said.

"There's no place like Newfoundland and Labrador, and we want to keep it that way. Seniors' care about themselves and their families and only through interactions between each other, and our government, can we ameliorate harshness."

Mr. Holloway stressed the idea that having fun and being of good cheer is critical to leading a complete life.

"Things are getting better everyday. We hope that next year another minister will come back with more good news." 

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