Monday, February 4, 2008

Letter to the Editor:

I would like to echo Norm Macdonald's call for an independent Senior's Representative that will provide oversight and protection for seniors. As a member of St. Mary's Band and the Ktunaxa Nation I believe that protecting seniors is an inherent obligation of the community and the government. As a community we value our elders and want the best for them in their golden years. While government may not like the reports and recommendations that this office may offer, it does allow for an effective check and balance within our legislative assembly. I believe that it is in the best interests of all citizens to ensure that government is held accountable especially on this important issue.

In the 1990s I watched my grandmother suffer from Alzheimer's disease for many years. She was fortunate enough to have the resources to pay for her care, once she could access a space. Many other seniors in her condition did not have the resources and suffered from neglect. I encourage Bill Bennett to consider the long term benefits this ofice would have for the province's senior's community, which is only going to get larger. What a legacy it would be to ensure that an independent office of the legislature would have the best interests of our elder's regardless of the political party in power. I find it hard to believe that there is a debate on this issue in the first place.

Troy Sebastian
St. Mary's Indian Band