Advocacy
CARP – A New Vision of Aging for Canada
CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to a new vision of aging for Canada, promoting social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. Our mandate is to promote and protect the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as we age.
Phone: 1(800) 363-9736
Mesothelioma Prognosis Network
Our network is an advocacy group that is proud to offer our free services and information on the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer. Our organization works with individuals and their families to help them find local doctors, treatment centers and support groups in the US and Canada.
Ombudsperson
Have you been treated unfairly by a provincial or local government body? The Office of the Ombudsperson can help. Seniors’ complaints to the Ombudsperson have led to investigations into Pharmacare, the Medical Services Plan, the Ministry of Health, health authorities (including hospitals and the enforcement of care standards in residential care facilities), ICBC, and the Public Guardian and Trustee – among others. Ombudsperson services are free and confidential.
Walk-In Address: Second Floor, 947 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3K3
Phone: 1(250) 387-5855
Toll Free: 1(800) 567-3247
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) is a corporation sole established under the Public Guardian and Trustee Act. Its mandate is to protect the legal and financial interests of children under the age of 19 years; protect the legal, financial, personal and health care interests of adults who require assistance in decision making; and administer the estates of deceased persons and missing persons.
Seniors First BC: Elder Law Clinic and Legal Advocacy Program
Staff lawyers and a legal advocate provide legal advice, advocacy and representation to people ages 55+ who are not able to access legal help due to low income or other barriers on legal issues involving housing (residential tenancy, assisted living and residential care), debt, government benefits (CPP, OAS, GIS, etc.), financial exploitation, guardianship/capacity, abuse/neglect and discrimination based on age. Call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) for a referral to the Elder Law Clinic and Legal Advocacy Program.
SAIL Phone: (604) 437-1940
SAIL Toll Free: 1(866) 437-1940
TTY: (604) 428-3359
TTY Toll Free: 1(855) 306-1443
Sources Newton Resource Centre
Wide range of supports, information, and advocacy for income assistance, disability, housing and federal income assistance programs like Canada Pension Plan. Specific programs available for people experiencing mental illness. Housing resources also available including lists of low cost housing rentals, access to computer and phone for housing search and accessing resources as well as community voicemail. Seniors Info and Referral: (604) 542-4357
Shield Health Advocates
The healthcare system can feel overwhelming at times. We are here to empower you and walk alongside you. It is like, having a nurse in the family.
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Attending and preparing for appointments.
Hospital bedside monitoring and discharge care.
Medication reviews and safety.
Assisting with paperwork and forms.
Shorter wait times for surgeries and testing (most of the time)
Translating medical jargon.
Hospital to hospice transition.
Assisting with finding a family physician.
Finding long-term care.
Research conditions and treatment options.
Call for a free phone assessment: (778) 828-0430