Forum on seniors, elders, wraps up in Iqaluit

A two-day forum in Iqaluit to discuss seniors’ and elders’ issues wrapped up on Thursday.

Premier John Main and federal Secretary of State for seniors Stephanie McLean co-chaired the event. Ministers or other representatives from all provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec, attended in-person or remotely.

“It’s clear that all jurisdictions face major challenges when it comes to ensuring older Canadians are able to age in place with dignity and with the adequate supports they need closer to home,” Main said at the Aqsarniit Hotel during a news conference.

“Our reality is that certain levels of care simply can’t be provided in many of our communities currently.”

Main pointed to ongoing efforts in Nunavut to increase Inuit staffing in long-term care and healthcare as one reason for optimism.

“We’re talking partnerships in order to give their staff the qualifications they need to work in the sector,” he said.

Improving the ability of elders and seniors to access online services, which includes knowledge about the safe use of social media, was among the subjects discussed.

The participants committed to exploring powers of attorney, to improve protections to prevent financial mistreatment of elders and seniors.

The meeting did not result in any funding announcements.

“These federal-provincial-territorial meetings are a crucial opportunity for us all to get together to learn from each other,” McLean said.

The next forum on elders and seniors will be co-chaired by a representative from Alberta.