VICTORIA -Seniors in B.C. are continuing to suffer from instability in the long term care sector despite B.C. Liberal statements expressing concern about elder abuse, says New Democrat Seniors Critic Katrine Conroy.

"The minister for senior's issues has proclaimed June 15 as the second annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day," said Conroy, the MLA for West Kootenay - Boundary. "Let's not forget this is the same government who refused to acknowledge that over 600 care aides were given termination notice at four long-term care facilities in the Lower Mainland and Nanaimo just over a month ago. These are aides who provide stable and quality care to the elderly residing in these facilities"

The Campbell government brought in Bill 29, whose contracting out and mass layoffs across the health services sector deepened existing problems in hospitals and long term care facilities, leaving patients and residents at increased risk.

"We are still waiting to hear from the Campbell government about how they intend to restore health care services affected by Bill 29, which the Supreme Court of Canada struck down last week. Care aides who work with elderly patients and residents were a major target of Bill 29, and while long term care facilities continue to undermine the standard of care by laying off care aides, this week's B.C. Liberal government proclamation against elder abuse rings hollow."

"Bill 29 has allowed employers to fire and hire long term care aides as they see fit, with no acknowledgment for the anxiety it causes in a facility for the residents, their families and those who work in the sector. This proclamation is just another B.C. Liberal diversion.

"Instead of making announcements and proclamations, let's get our elders the care they need and deserve and secure the workers who play an integral role in providing high quality care to seniors in this province," said Conroy.