News Release - October 9, 2009

VICTORIA - Beginning January 2010, seniors in residential care facilities will be paying more -- $53.7 million more.  "The BC Liberal government's latest move to increase revenues comes at the expense of our province's most vulnerable seniors," said John Horgan, MLA for Juan de Fuca.

According to the Minister of Health, 75% of the people living in residential care will pay more than they currently do.  Fees for those paying the top rate for room and board in residential care facilities will go up by $22.10 a day (the current maximum is $74.30).  And those with annual incomes of only $22,000 will see their rates increase by nearly $2,000 a year.

"This is just the latest round of bad news from this government," said Horgan.  "After cutting community groups and schools, the government is now moving on to making life more difficult for senior citizens."

"Since 2001, Gordon Campbell has broken promise after promise to seniors, closing care homes, cutting budgets, and reducing basic health services that they depend on," said Horgan.  "Now he's asking them to pay more for decreased levels of service."