Political Advocacy Committee Summary for April 10

The third meeting of the Political Advocacy Committee was held on March 27, 2024. The Executive, Legislative, Communications, Pension & Retirement Income, Health Services, and Political Advocacy Committees were all represented and gave reports.

National Pharmacare Follow-up

Discussion involved a possible third letter sent by the President of ACER-CART to keep the pressure on. Bill indicated that he would like this letter to go out sometime in April. A member shared that the Quebec government has a Pharmacare Program that was developed with the pharmaceutical companies. In discussion, it was pointed out that both Quebec and Alberta are against the National Pharmacare and Dental Programs. Both provinces would like the money given directly to them. The following motion came out of discussion.

MOTION 3: That the President of ACER-CART, Bill Berryman, write a follow-up letter regarding National Pharmacare.

Rationale: pressure needs to be placed on governments to promote and further the development of the National Pharmacare Program. This follow-up letter would be written to keep the New Mode momentum moving.

Ageing in Place

Ageing in Place covers a huge array of topics, and it was felt that no more than 3-5 areas should be explored. The Health Services Committee will work on ‘Ageing in Place’ and will bring forth what they feel are the top issues to the next Political Advocacy meeting. It was agreed that when letters are sent to the Minister of Health, Minister of Seniors, the Prime Minister, and so on that there should be a letter from the President of ACER-CART on behalf of its members. Individuals would also be encouraged to continue to send their own letters.

Discussion on Dental Care

BCRTA has written letters to various government people expressing their concerns on the Dental Program from the Federal Government.  This concern is for low-income people who do not qualify for the Dental Program because they might have a dental program available to them. There is confusion in how the Federal Government has laid out the plan. A member shared that in Quebec, even though she has her eligibility card, dentists have been discouraged from taking part at this time. The committee decided that a letter expressing our concerns would be drafted by Gerry Tiede and Grace and then passed on to committee members for comment.

National Pensioners Federation

It was felt by the Political Advocacy Committee that this organization may be a good one to have an affiliation with.

In discussing the National Pensioners Federation, the questions raised were should the focus be on the National Charter, or do we look at the idea of having our Members join Regional Chapters.  Grace Wilson, from BCRTA, is the representative in that province at the National level. Four provinces have affiliations with the National Pensioners Federation:  B.C., ON, N.S., and SK. Bill Berryman will have further talks with Trish Mcauliffe, from the National Pensioners Federation.