Greater investment needed in senior’s resource centre

The senior’s resource centre has been forced to cut two full-time positions and two part-time positions because of funding shortfalls and the provincial government should consider addressing these gaps before programs have to be cut, says Roland Butler, MHA for the District of Port de Grave. The issue was raised earlier today in the House of Assembly.

As a result of funding shortfalls, the grocery bus program, the lifelong learners program, the seniors bridging cultures program and the Friday friendship program will likely have to be cut by the senior’s resource centre. The biggest shortfall in funding comes from the federal government as a result of what appears to be a change in culture within the federal system in providing grants to groups such as theirs.

“The senior’s resource centre has asked government for help in addressing these funding shortfalls, but has yet to hear a response,” said Mr. Butler. “These four programs are very important to seniors who look forward to social activities during the week. We have an aging population in this province and the need for these types of programs will continue to grow. While government says they are committed to our seniors and their programming, groups such as the senior’s resource centre are facing larger deficits, fewer staff and increased pressures to operate.

“There are nine Ministers who sit on the Ministerial Council of Aging and Seniors whose mandate is to provide a collaborative environment to address issues, explore options and stimulate initiatives across government departments and agencies relating to aging and seniors. If this Council was seriously addressing seniors’ issues, they should be looking at what concrete action can be taken to address issues such as funding cuts that are negatively impacting seniors programs.

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