“Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We must protect seniors from scams and mistreatment. The government is being unfair by giving smaller pensions to people aged 65 to 74 than to older seniors, even though living costs are going up. Rules for community programs are also making it harder to help lonely seniors. We need to do more to support them.”

“Mr. Speaker, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. At a time when fraud targeting seniors is gaining attention, let us remember the importance of staying vigilant and taking action against the various types of abuse, including financial abuse. Seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 face age discrimination, since they do not receive the same pension amount as seniors aged 75 and above. This is ageism, another form of abuse. However, rising inflation and housing problems directly impact people living on a fixed income. While there is also growing concern about isolation among seniors, the new requirements of the New Horizons program are making it harder for volunteers to organize activities to help them break out of their isolation. Let us stop ignoring the needs of seniors so that they can age with care, compassion and dignity.”