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New Brunswick election: Liberals offer plan to make life better for seniors

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • October 2, 2024

Susan Holt, Liberal party leader in New Brunswick, and candidate for Fredericton South-Silverwood, answers media questions at the Liberal Party of New Brunswick's campaign kick-off in Fredericton on Sunday September 8, 2024. New Brunswick's Liberal leader says the province needs to move away from a "one size fits all model" if it wants to achieve growth and progress. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stephen MacGillivray

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Liberal party is promising to improve how the province supports seniors if elected to govern on Oct. 21.

Liberal Leader Susan Holt campaigned in Neguac, N.B., this morning where she announced eight proposals, including a pledge to offer $250 a month to unpaid and informal caregivers who are looking after aging family members.

Holt says a Liberal government would improve home care by investing in the wages for personal support workers and resident attendants, as well as expanding programs that help seniors stay in their homes as long as possible.

As for nursing homes, Holt says the Liberals would improve wages and fill staffing gaps to ensure all existing nursing home beds are being used.

Holt says there are 1,108 people on waiting lists for long-term care and 550 are in hospital beds waiting for a place in a nursing home.

The Liberals also pledged to raise the "comfort and clothing allowance" for seniors from $150 to $200, and develop a strategy to improve support for those living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

"Our team will ensure that seniors receive the support they need in a way that promotes well-being and independence," Holt said in a statement.

This report by was first published Oct. 2, 2024.