Issues at Senior’s Forum: The candidates heard and responded to many statements and questions covering such issues as the environment, the economy, the need for a truly Universal health care system to deal with such things as a Canada-wide bulk buying of pharmaceuticals, housing for seniors, palliative care, Old Age Security at 65 (not 67), long-term care for veterans, addressing seniors in poverty (mostly women), housing for seniors, protection of medicare, helping people access government help, the need for a Canada-wide Seniors’ advocate, along with many other matters which effect Canadians young and old.

Retired Teachers of the South Okanagan put on two forums this week. 40 people in Osoyoos and 60 in Oliver.

Two parties were represented – Liberals and NDP. Not a barn burner for sure – just an indication of who you can vote for and those candidates that are interested in meeting the average person.

A report by organizer Stefan Cieslek

Just a quick update to let you know that the Seniors’ Forums we organized this week were well attended and appreciated by members of our communities.

Monday, September 14th in Osoyoos, at the Seniors’ Centre, we had 40 people attend with the 3 candidates who showed up: alphabetically: Richard Cannings, Connie Denesiuk and Brian Gray. Marshall Neufeld, running for the Conservative Party, did not attend.

Tuesday, September 15th in Oliver, at the Community Centre, we had 60 people attend with the same 3 candidates who showed up. Cheryl Halsted was the moderator; she did a superb job. Ray Pitt and Richard Hoen helped get everything organized and cleaned up …. posters, sound system, tables and chairs, etc., much appreciated.