Podcasts about isobel mackenzie

Outgoing advocate says northern and rural BC seniors/communities face coming hurdles,

B.C.Health Minister Adrian Dix and federal Health Minister Mark Holland announced a $733 million agreement for seniors health are. We review the agreement with Isobel Mackenzie, B.C.'s seniors' advocate. We get an update from CBC news reporter Chad Pawson on Richmond city council's vote tonight on a plan for a supervised consumption site. And, our guests Ninu Kang, executive director, Ending Violence BC, and Jamie Taras, Director Community Partnerships for the BC Lions Football Club discuss teaching young sports stars about respect and consent.

BC's Seniors Advocate has released the 2022 Monitoring Seniors Report revealing the percentage of seniors living in the province has jumped 10 percent over the past five years. Guest:  Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate.

Chapter 1: Is it time for the RCMP to discontinue the use of controversial spyware to access the encrypted communications of targets Guest: Brenda McPhail, Director, Privacy, Technology & Surveillance Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association(CCLA) Chapter 2: Could front line worker woes be mitigated if every new corporate employee worked on the front line before going to the head office? Guest: Raji Sohal, Mornings with Simi Contributor Chapter 3: FBI agents executed a search warrant at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and home in Palm Beach, Florida, according to a statement from the former U.S. president. Guest: Reggie Cecchini, Global News Washington Correspondent. Chapter 4: Has there ever been an FBI raid on a current or former US President's home? Guest: Professor Allan J. Lichtman, American Political Historian, and author of “The Case for Impeachment”. Chapter 5: There are concerns that Vancouver's latest tent city is harming businesses and driving tourists away. Guest: Royce Chwin, president and CEO of Destination Vancouver. Chapter 6: We've heard from many of our listeners who are among the hundreds of thousands of BC residents without a family doctor. Many were seniors. Guest: CKNW Contributor Raji Sohal interviewed Isobel Mackenzie, B.C. Seniors Advocate Chapter 7: A good news story for BC wildlife as Pink Salmon are returning by the thousands this year. Guest: Bob Chamberlin, Chair, First Nations Wild Salmon Alliance.

Hospitals across Canada are struggling, leading to longer wait times in emergency rooms as health-care systems face a variety of challenges, medical professionals say. Our question this week: What's happening inside ERs across Canada right now? How are wait times affecting you? Dr. Brian Goldman, an emergency physician in Toronto and host of CBC Radio's White Coat, Black Art, on the factors behind expanding wait times; Anne Boutilier, a licensed practical nurse in Dartmouth, N.S., shares the view from her emergency department; Dr. David Cram, a physician in Souris, Man., discusses the challenges for providing health-care services in rural parts of his province; and Isobel Mackenzie, seniors advocate for the province of British Columbia, on the challenges facing older adults in that province.

Ch.1: As food prices continue to go up and up, how are Canadians going to afford the essentials? Guest: Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab & Professor in Food Distribution at Dalhousie University Ch.2: Are babies born during pandemic developing slower? Guest: Dr. Dani Dumitriu, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Columbia University. Guest: Dr. Morgan Firestein, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in the Division of Developmental Neuroscience. Ch.3: B.C. Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie is asking the Province to declare that every resident in long term care is entitled to designate at least one person as their essential visitor. Guest:  Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate Ch.4: A new energy project is turning garbage into energy Guest: Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors Ch.5: How many jobs were gained in the previous year and what efforts are ongoing to support businesses through this continuing pandemic. Guest: Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ch.6: Nurses are feeling the effects of the pandemic and struggling to cope with burnout and harassment from the public. Guest: Morgan, Registered Nurse

Ch.1: The Pandora Papers don't seem to have a particular focus on Canada, or do they? Guest: James Cohen, Executive Director of the Canadian chapter of Transparency International. Ch.2: In the first extensive review of COVID-19 deaths in British Columbia's long-term care system, seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie has found care homes should have had more rigorous testing for staff and a more comprehensive sick pay program. Guest: Terry Lake, CEO of BC Care providers Association. Ch.3: A controversial proposal for city-wide residential parking permits as a part of Vancouver's climate action plan failed Wednesday night, with Mayor Kennedy Stewart casting the deciding vote. Guest: Kennedy Stewart, Vancouver Mayor. Ch.4: SFU Vaccinologist explains how highly effective vaccines are against variants.  Guest: Raji Sohal, CKNW Contributor Ch.5: Paid sick leave is in the spotlight once again, as yesterday's report from the office of the BC Seniors Advocate made it known that care homes with weak paid sick leave policies are at risk for larger COVID outbreaks. Guest: Mike Schilling, President & CEO of Community Savings Credit Union See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BC Seniors Advocate Isobel MacKenzie has released a review of one year's worth of COVID-19 data in Long term Care and Assisted Living and came up with seven recommendations to improve things moving forward.

Isobel Mackenzie, the B.C. Seniors Advocate, released her report reviewing COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care and assisted living facilities, showing a contrast between cases in health-authority operated homes and those that are for-profit. In our 2nd half, we'll hear from an employment lawyer to answer your questions about mandating employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Ch.1: The Alberta government introduced a wide range of new public health measures on Wednesday night in an attempt to prevent COVID-19 cases from overwhelming the province's health-care system. Guest: Tom Vernon, Global News Edmonton Provincial Affairs Reporter. Ch.2: What have been your experiences with the vaccine passport?  Have businesses been asking you to show proof before entering the establishment? Guest: Raji Sohal, CKNW Contributor Ch.3: Ahead of the election we take a final look at how Canadians are perceiving  the leaders. Guest: Sean Simpson, Vice President of IPSOS Public Affairs Ch.4: The fitness industry could be hit hard by implementation of BC's proof of vaccination program. Guest: Sara Hodson, president of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada. Ch.5: With the recent announcement of third booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine going out to those who are severely immunocompromised, seniors advocates are calling for third booster shots for seniors living in long-term care. Guest:  Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate. Ch.6: The impact of donations at the VGH foundation. Guest: Laura Walsh Sr. Vice President, Philanthropy at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Ch.7: Vancouver police were called to investigate a fatal shooting in the city's downtown core on Wednesday. Guest: Kim Bolan, Crime Reporter for the Vancouver Sun. Ch.8: Saving sports should be a top priority for communities as it is critical for kids' well-being.  Guest: Raji Sohal, CKNW Contributor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BC Senior Advocate Isobel MacKenzie speaks to the provincial announcement that booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine will now be made available to the most vulnerable in the province.

Seniors in British Columbia  face a range of challenges, from healthcare to housing, finances and personal supports. The Covid19 pandemic exposed many of the ways that we need to think and act differently to better support our seniors in the later stages of their lives. Isobel Mackenzie, BC's Seniors' Advocate, joined us for a wide-ranging conversation about long-term residential care,  dementia care, elder abuse and neglect, pensions and finances and more. As we look toward a winding down of the Covid19 pandemic, these are some of the issues to hold font and centre as we move toward our "new normal." About Isobel Mackenzie Isobel has over 20 years' experience working with seniors in home care, licensed care, community services and volunteer services. Isobel led B.C.'s largest not-for-profit agency, serving over 6000 seniors annually. In this work Isobel led the pioneering of a new model of dementia care that has become a national best practice. She led the first safety accreditation for homecare workers, among many other accomplishments. Isobel has been widely recognized for her work and was named BC CEO of the Year for the Not-for-Profit Sector and nominated as a Provincial Health Care Hero.Prior to her appointment as the Seniors Advocate, Isobel served on a number of national and provincial boards and commissions including the BC Medical Services Commission, the Canadian Homecare Association, BC Care Providers, BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, and the Capital Regional District Housing Corporation.Isobel received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Victoria and has a Certificate in Health Care Leadership from the University of Toronto. Isobel lives in Victoria.Office of the Seniors Advocate  websiteTwitter: @SrsAdvocateBC Facebook : /SeniorsAdvocateBCDiscover Small Conversations on Social MediaInstagramFacebookTwitterFind Susannah Steers at www.movingspirit.ca and on social media @themovingspirit.Find Gillian McCormick at https://physiogillian.com/ and on social media @physiogillian

Chapter 1  New COVID-19 restrictions for Kelowna as cases there continue to climb Hear from our provinces health officials on the latest in the Central Okanagan  Chapter 2  With smoke in the Metro Vancouver forecast, here's what that means for you Michael Brauer, Professor at the UBC School of Population and Public Health joins us with more on the smoke set for Vancouver skies  Chapter 3  Why is the vaccination rate in the Interior and Northern Health regions relatively low? Dr. Heidi Tworek, Associate Professor in History and Public Policy at UBC, Public health communications expert joins us to discuss vaccine hesitancy  Chapter 4  BC heatwave: how can we prevent a repeat of the high number of deaths we saw last time? Isobel Mackenzie,BC Seniors' Advocate joins us to discuss how we can better protect our seniors  Chapter 5  BC heatwave: appeals for help to protect Downtown Eastside residents during the heat Eric Chapman chats with Sarah Blyth - Executive Director, Overdose Prevention Society Chapter 6  Victoria Mayor calls for changes to Police Act Lisa Helps - Mayor of Victoria joins us to talk about what changes need to be made to the Police Act  Chapter 7  The latest on BC's wildfire fight Karley Desrosiers,Fire Information Officer with the BC Wildfire Service gives us the latest on the BC Wildfires  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isobel Mackenzie,BC Seniors' Advocate joins us to discuss how we can better protect our seniors  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chapter 1  West End business owner considers selling business after three costly break-ins in one year Sonia Zebadua, Owner of Cardero Cafe in Vancouver's West End joins the show to share her experiences as a business owner. Plus, your calls!  Chapter 2  What is pension maximization? Peter Cishecki,Registered Financial Planner and President of the Everything Financial Group joins the show  Chapter 3  Should vaccinations be mandatory for all healthcare workers in BC? Isobel Mackenzie,BC Seniors' Advocate joins us to discuss  Chapter 4  The climate emergency is here and it's killing British Columbians. Here's what needs to happen next. Seth Klein,Team Lead and Director of Strategy of the David Suzuki Institute's Climate Emergency Unit And author of A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency stops by to talk climate change  Chapter 5  Premier Horgan is now more open to the idea of Vancouver hosting World Cup soccer Will Vancouver host World Cup soccer in 2026? Kirk LaPointe, Publisher and Editor of Business in Vancouver and Vice President of Editorial for Glacier Media discusses.  Chapter 6 Progress on safe supply, but do new changes go far enough? Safe supply phases have started. But if 5 to 6 people are dying a day why are we phasing in anything? Why not right now? Eric Chapman  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isobel Mackenzie,BC Seniors' Advocate joins us to discuss  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CBC reporter Tom Popyk gives an update on a fatal crane collapse in Kelowna. BC seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie discusses whether COVID vaccinations should be mandatory for healthcare workers. Chef Andie Bulman and the CBC's Baneet Braich share their recipes for their favourite summer treats, including mango lassi, chocolate mint mousse and more.

B.C.'s coroner reported that the province's recent heat wave likely contributed to 719 sudden deaths, prompting urgent questions about how to prevent it from happening during the next inevitable hot spell. We speak with B.C.'s seniors advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, about how to protect the most vulnerable.

Chapter 1  A Day To Listen - Dr. Alika Lafontaine Today radio stations across Canada, including 980 CKNW, are coming together to amplify Indigenous voices in Canada Chapter 2  A Day to Listen: Elder Claudette Commanda Chapter 3  More than five people will die today in B.C. from a drug overdose 160 people died from an overdose last month – but who were they? When we set aside our stigmas and stereotypes, you begin to understand how widespread this problem is, how it impacts us all, and why we all need to care Eric Chapman chats with Garth Mullins, host of the Crackdown podcast Chapter 4  A Day to Listen: Tanya Talaga Chapter 5  Extreme heat across BC: is this climate change Scientists have been warning for years that heat waves, like the one B.C. is suffering this weekend, will start earlier in the season and be more intense because of climate change. Based on what we have felt the last few days here in Vancouver -- where we hit record numbers on the thermometer, decision-makers may regret not acting sooner. Guest - Dr Simon Donner - Climate scientist and UBC professor of Geography Chapter 6  A Day to Listen: Dr. Alika Lafontaine #2 Chapter 7  BC's deadly heatwave claims the lives of seniors, as ambulance crisis escalates BC Seniors' Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie joins the show  Chapter 8  A Day to Listen: Peter Sackaney Chapter 9  182 human remains in unmarked graves found at site of former residential school in Cranbrook Bob Chamberlain, Former vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs joins the show Chapter 10  A Day to Listen: Isaac Murdoch / Bombgiizhik Chapter 11  How did Canada get its name? Do we even say it properly? This is a day to listen so lets do some learning about the Word Canada and some local anglicized indigenous names you might not have known of.  Eric Chapman and George Affleck discuss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BC Seniors' Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie joins the show  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The promise of electric delivery vans; Major-General Dany Fortin under investigation; Researcher Suzanne Simard on her new memoir on communicating with trees; Quesnel vet traveling to rural communities to provide care; Senior's advocate Isobel Mackenzie investigating the delay of declaring outbreaks at long-term care homes; Travel questions as UK and US citizens get vaccinated; Cheerful Flowers Project; Vancouver manufacturing company buys industrial park in the Cariboo.

Over the past year, we have heard many stories on the nightly news about the tragic COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care homes. Throughout the first wave of the global pandemic our elders, specifically those living in care facilities, were the most threatened by the virus. As a result of changes to staffing protocols, limited access and a targeted vaccination program to those most vulnerable British Columbians, far fewer lives were lost in the second and third waves of the pandemic This episode of The Public Circle Podcast is a re-broadcast of a Town Hall on April 6, 2021, co-hosted by the Saanich North and the Islands and Cowichan Valley Constituency Offices. My colleague Sonia Furstenau and I moderated the conversation with BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. In her presentation and responses to questions, Mackenzie outlines the impact of COVID-19 on the long-term care sector and highlights what we have learned so far. For more information about the Office of the Seniors Advocate contact them online. To contact the Saanich North and the Islands Constituency Office email Adam.Olsen.MLA@leg.bc.ca or call 250-655-5600. To contact the Cowichan Valley Constituency Office email Sonia.Furstenau.MLA@leg.bc.ca or call 250-715-2792.

The pandemic exposed serious problems in long-term care in Canada, but what change is needed, and what creative solutions can be applied? We talk to Isobel Mackenzie, the seniors advocate for B.C.; Dr. Jocelyn Charles, medical director of the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, who works closely with the Dorothy Macham Home for veterans with challenging behaviours and dementia; and Alex Mihailidis, scientific director of Age Well, who is leading a Canadian Standards Association group to create standards on long-term care.

Top stories today: Churches lose legal battle While Dr. Henry has promised an update for church gatherings, many faith based institutions are still struggling with the current restrictions. One of the Michael's trial is over While the trial is over, the saga is far from finished.. Cash? Plastic? Which do you prefer? A new story reveals that Victoria B.C. is actually the cash capital of Canada. Why?  Much more in the full episode! _____________ NAVIGATE THE PODCAST:  Chapter 1 Churches lose a big legal battle So, what's next for these faith based institutions in the Fraser Valley?    We have heard from Dr. Henry that new information will roll out in the next little while. We talk to Marty Moore, Staff Lawyer at the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms  Chapter 2 70's condo goes for nearly 24% over the asking price And, it received 15 offers! Why's the demand so crazy? Chapter 3 Looser restrictions could be heading to long term care If this does pan out, it would be a huge sigh of relief for so many relatives who still are facing barriers when trying to see their loved ones in LTC. Isobel Mackenzie joins the show, BC's Senior Care Advocate. Chapter 4 No verdict, but trial ends for two Michaels' The trial is finally over. After much media frenzy, people being denied access, etc. The trial IS over. But, no verdict. What can we expect that to be? And when?  Charles Burton has been following this, he's a Brock University Professor, and two time former Canadian diplomat in China Chapter 5 Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping, well?  Our in-house team have internally shared our own struggles with sleep. Chapter 6 Are you primarily cash, or plastic? A new report suggests that Victoria B.C. is actually the cash capital of Canada.  SO, let's talk about munny.  _____________   Remember to wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home at all costs if you are sick. We're not out of the woods yet!    The Lynda Steele Full Show podcast includes all the individual segments that can be found on the Lynda Steele Show page, digitally stitched together for your convenience.    Listen live online at globalnews.ca/radio/cknw/ 3-6 PM!

If this does pan out, it would be a huge sigh of relief for so many relatives who still are facing barriers when trying to see their loved ones in LTC. Isobel Mackenzie joins the show, BC's Senior Advocate.

BC's Senior's Advocate discusses the growing number of outbreaks of COVID-19 in long term care homes, a review of LTC's and how they responded to outbreaks and the overall worries in the Interior as case counts continue to climb.

Today's highlights:  THE BIG DAY! That's right, it's National Sandwich Day!!!...  Just kidding, we'll have wall to wall election coverage in this edition of the podcast.  Fraser Health questions We're still wondering what's happening with Fraser Health, we'll hope to have some answers. Mobility pricing How will things impact business in Downtown Vancouver?  NAVIGATE THE PODCAST:  Chapter 1 Report released on long term care in BC The outpouring of grief from relatives of those in long term care was outlined today by the BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. We're listening to what she had to say, and then taking your calls.  Chapter 2 Minor hockey being shut down in Chilliwack This is devastating for families and communities that are affected by this.  We talk to Lee McCaw, President of the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association  Chapter 3 Mobility pricing affect on downtown We chat with Charles Gauthier.  Chapter 4 Live election coverage from the US of A! Global News' Paul Johnson is south of the border, in Seattle, documenting this historic day. Chapter 5 Talking to our boss, a nervous American Larry Gifford was born and raised in Ohio, and he shares his thoughts about this election day.  Chapter 6 Democrats abroad, as more results roll in ___________   Remember to wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home at all costs if you are sick. We're not out of the woods yet!    The Lynda Steele Full Show podcast includes all the individual segments that can be found on the Lynda Steele Show page, digitally stitched together for your convenience.    Listen live online at globalnews.ca/radio/cknw/ 3-6 PM!

BC's Seniors Advocate discusses a survey conducted which shows that the biggest fear of people in long-term and assisted-living facilities is not contracting COVID-19.

Today's a huge day! We provide a US election preview, then talk about long term care. The outpouring of grief from relatives of those in long term care was outlined today by the BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. We're listening to what she had to say, and then taking your calls. 

We chat with BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie.   

Today's highlights:  Different rules for schools Why are the rules applied to everyone, applied differently in schools? We chat with a Surrey Teacher. Long term care home conditions A new report being released to day highlights concerns around long term care homes, and the conditions present at them. Mobility pricing We chat with the councillor behind the whole thing! NAVIGATE THE PODCAST:  Chapter 1 We speak to a Surrey school teacher on the situation in the Fraser Valley As we've seen the crazy COVID-19 spikes in recent weeks, a lot of the focus has been on the Fraser Valley where a majority of the cases seem to be stemming from. The other aspect of this conversation that seems to be left in the dark, is why schools have different sets of rules. We talk about this with Surrey Teacher, Lizanne Foster. Chapter 2 Working on the West Coast: Thinking of quitting?     You're not alone.  A recent survey which we covered on the show reveals that many employees across Canada are considering quitting their jobs.  We chat with the publisher of the BC Labour Market Report, Christian St Cyr Chapter 3 Transport pricing, the risks vs benefits  We've been hearing a lot about this concept of mobility pricing in the past couple days. It seems like the push is here, on the West Coast, to eliminate cars! Chapter 4 A report on conditions in long term care homes We chat with BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie.  Chapter 5 An effort to make driving and parking expensive Costs are going up in an effort to make Vancouver greener. Will it work? We chat with Councillor Christine Boyle. ___________ Remember to wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home at all costs if you are sick. We're not out of the woods yet!  The Lynda Steele Full Show podcast includes all the individual segments that can be found on the Lynda Steele Show page, digitally stitched together for your convenience.    Listen live online at globalnews.ca/radio/cknw/ 3-6 PM!

New in this update:Gaps in SD-68 return to school plan: The much-awaited safe return to school plan has been revealed by the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District. The 22-page document outlines what parents and students can expect when classes resume on September the 10th when it comes to cleaning protocols, mask-wearing, ventilation and how many students will be in each class. However, there are gaps that the administration admits may not be resolved by the time schools open their doors. It's not known how social distancing will be achieved on the school bus that transports high school students from Gabriola Island to the ferry. Two schools do not have proper ventilation systems so they will be forced to turn up the heat and open the windows this year. District Superintendent Scott Saywell says students in Kindergarten to grade 7 may not be assigned to their permanent classrooms or their learning groups before their first day of school."That is the bit of the challenge. We have a lot of work to do over the next few days before schools start up."—Scott Saywell, SD-68 Superintendent.The plan says a spike in elementary school enrolment means those students will start the year with more online and remote activities until intake meetings and registration has stabilized. The District says specific plans for individual schools will be sent via email to parents in the coming days.Island Health issues advisories regarding COVID-19 exposures: Today's COVID-19 numbers are slightly down today, with 62 new cases of the virus confirmed over the past 24 hours, including two in Island Health. There have been no additional deaths. Meanwhile, Island Health has issued two public advisories, warning people of possible COVID-19 exposures at two restaurants in Sidney. Anyone who was at the Ten Acres Market on August 20th or 21st or at Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe on August 21st or 22nd should monitor their health and if symptoms emerge, to self isolate and contact Island Health's hotline to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test.Long term care survey: BC's Seniors' Advocate has launched a survey she hopes will shape a better future for residents of long term and assisted care homes. Isobel Mackenzie says she's heard from seniors and their families who question whether COVID-19 safety rules around visits are worth the damage being done to their quality of life. Mackenzie says it's urgent that seniors and their families have a say in how they will live out their lives under the pandemic."Time is more important for somebody in long term care and assisted living because frankly, they have less of it. And so I think as the magnitude of how long this is going to last starts to bear down, I think it becomes clear we have got to figure out something that is humane, that we can live with."—Isobel Mackenzie, BC'S Seniors' Advocate.The survey for seniors and their families can be taken online, by phone or through the mail. It is open until September the 30th and Mackenzie expects to have recommendations for the future of care home visits in October.

In this episode of The Public Circle Podcast (the first in several months) I'm republishing a virtual town hall I hosted on Monday June 15, 2020 with Isobel Mackenzie, the B.C. Seniors Advocate. In February 2020 the Office of the Seniors Advocate published a report titled A Billion Reasons to Care. It is the first detailed review of British Columbia's contracted long-term care sector. The office analyzed contracts, annual statements, and revenue and expenditures from 2016/17-2017/18 of for-profit and non-profit operators in the $1.4 billion industry across the province. Mackenzie summarizes the findings in her cover letter. “You will read in the attached report of a funding and monitoring system that lacks the type of accountability, openness and transparency that both B.C. seniors and B.C. taxpayers deserve. The review also illustrates some marked differences in spending between contracted providers who are private businesses and those who are not-for-profit care societies.” Our conversation begins with an overview of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on seniors and the long-term care sector. Mackenzie then presents the findings of her report followed by our discussion about the implications for all British Columbians. We also highlight that June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the services available to seniors in reporting instances of abuse. As this recording is from a virtual town hall many of the questions come from the attendees. The B.C. Green Caucus was asking questions about the long-term care sector prior to the public health emergency and we will continue to ask the government about what they intend on doing to address the shortcomings in this report and the other vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19.

Pamela McDonald, Director of Education with the BC Securities Commission and BC Senior Advocate Isobel MacKenzie as today marks world Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The first week of June in British Columbia is declared Seniors' Week. This is traditionally a time when we celebrate the contributions of those one million British Columbians who are over the age of 65 and I am joined by BC Senior's Advocate Isobel MacKenzie to talk about the importance of celebrating our seniors and the lessons we can take when it comes to caring for them during the pandemic.

Mercedes Stephenson has been reporting on some really abhorrent reports from care homes in Ontario. How does this compare to what's happening in BC care homes?  We chat with BC Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. 

The Provincial Health Officer is not backing down from calls to increase the rate of COVID-19 testing, to get a better picture of how widespread the virus is in BC. Dr. Bonnie Henry says BC is capable of testing 3,000 people a day, but she does not believe it's necessary to reach that daily target. Henry says at the start of the pandemic, the only people being tested widely were health care workers, long term care residents and staff or those likely to end up in hospital. Others with symptoms were told to assume they had the virus and to isolate for two weeks. The goal was to try to limit outbreaks and help ensure the health care system would not be overwhelmed. Now that the curve has flattened, everyone who has symptoms is being tested. Henry says tests on people without symptoms yield unreliable results and is a waste of resources. She says she is waiting for a reliable serology test that will measure anti-bodies. Experts hope that type of testing will show what percentage of the general population was actually infected with the virus.BC's Minister of Health isn't ruling out possible legislation to ensure employees won't lose their jobs or suffer any penalties if they call in sick. The COVID-19 outbreaks at the poultry processing plants on the lower mainland spread quickly because some employees with symptoms continued to go to work. The non-union workers there do not have sick pay. Instead, they are allowed to make up sick days by working extra hours. Adrian Dix says it is vitally important that people do not show up for work when sick, and employers must respect that. When asked whether the province would impose penalties against employers who do not comply, Dix said he was not announcing anything about those issues today, but left the door open for "future announcements."BC's Seniors Advocate is calling for more volunteers to help elders manage during the pandemic. Isobel Mackenzie says more than 5500 people have already signed up with the Safe Seniors-Strong Communities Program. She says grocery shopping and virtual visiting are the two most requested services. They made up more than 20,000 of the requests for help in the first four weeks of the program. If you would like to volunteer, call the senior's line 2-1-1.Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.Have a tip? Email: news@chly.caTwitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FMFunded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

A woman from Alert Bay has become the first indigenous person in BC to die from COVID-19. The Provincial Health Officer's voice quavered with emotion as she made the announcement on Saturday. Dr. Bonnie Henry said "Our elders in our first nations communities are culture and history keepers and when they die, we all lose. I recognize the tragic impact this has had on her family and her entire community."Meanwhile, in Alert Bay, the local emergency declaration has been extended for another week. The declaration was put in place to curtail all non-essential travel and impose an evening curfew. Family caregivers in BC are becoming more and more stressed, due to the suspension of programs, designed to give them a break. That's why the province has added a half-million dollars to Family Caregivers of BC. The non-profit group will use the funds to boost its 2-1-1 hotline and to create virtual peer support programs. More than a million British Columbians provide unpaid care to seniors, usually family members. However, COVID-19 has forced the closure of adult day programs and respite care that they rely on. BC's Seniors Advocate says she's very sorry about that. However, Isobel Mackenzie says she hopes the increased virtual supports will give caregivers "some comfort in sharing the burden and the stress with others."Meanwhile, both Isobel Mackenzie and the Provincial Health Officer are looking at how care homes can open up to visitors in the coming weeks. Dr. Bonnie Henry has said she is working on how to relax restrictions without putting seniors at risk for COVID-19. Mackenzie, BC's Seniors Advocate says a way must be found because would be "tragic" to keep seniors from loved ones for a year or more.BC saw its largest spike in new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with 95. It was the second large spike in less than a week. Last Wednesday, the case count increased by 75. Dr. Henry says the latest spike is due to outbreaks at 2 poultry processing plants and a federal prison. 40 new cases at the Mission Medium Security Institution brings the total there to 106 inmates and 12 staff...that's close to a third of the inmate population. The outbreak at Superior Poultry in Coquitlam grew by 16, with a total of 18 cases. It's sister plant in Vancouver, United Poultry, reported seven new cases, totalling 35. Both plants have been closed by Health Authorities. Island Health reported one new COVID-19 case, bringing our case count to 115.Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.Have a tip? Email: news@chly.caTwitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FMFunded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Isobel Mackenzie of the Office of the Seniors Advocate for BC, talking about the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on seniors and nursing homes.CFRO The Pulse, your independent reporting from Vancouver's front lines - weekdays from 7-8 am, on Vancouver Co-op Radio 100.5fm, and at thepulse.coopradio.org. Our reporters and co-hosts David P. Ball and Meixi Tan bring us our daily update on the latest Covid-19 news and what you need to know.Produced by Vancouver Co-op Radio's Laurence Gatinel and Bryan McKinnon. Theme song 'Iodine' used by permission of Hannah Epperson (hannahepperson.ca)

Isobel Mackenzie of the Office of the Seniors Advocate for BC, talking about the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on seniors and nursing homes.CFRO The Pulse, your independent reporting from Vancouver's front lines - weekdays from 7-8 am, on Vancouver Co-op Radio 100.5fm, and at thepulse.coopradio.org. Our reporters and co-hosts David P. Ball and Meixi Tan bring us our daily update on the latest Covid-19 news and what you need to know.Produced by Vancouver Co-op Radio's Laurence Gatinel and Bryan McKinnon. Theme song 'Iodine' used by permission of Hannah Epperson (hannahepperson.ca)

How are Seniors doing during the pandemic?  We chat with Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate 

BC's Provincial Health Officer says most cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island are the result of travellers returning home and infecting others. Dr. Bonnie Henry says there have been no cases in care homes on the island. There are 52 confirmed cases of the virus in the Island Health region, with five new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours.Help is on the way for seniors who live at home and are having a hard time getting groceries, medicine, rides to appointments or who just need someone to talk to. BC's Senior's Advocate says elders who live at home are more fearful, isolated and vulnerable as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And their caregivers, usually other family members or neighbours, are burning out. Isobel Mackenzie says that's why she's announced an expansion of the provincial 2-1-1 telephone hotline. Mackenzie says 2-1-1 operators will link at-home seniors to agencies or volunteers who can assist. MacKenzie is calling on younger British Columbians to call the service and sign up as volunteers. This latest initiative is part of a $50 million dollar package announced earlier this week, which includes more funding to the United Way's "Better at Home" programs that deliver services to seniors.People who hoard or try to resell food, medicine or medical supplies could face jail time or fines of up to $25,000 dollars. BC's Minister of Public Safety has announced sweeping new powers over consumers, retailers and distributors. Mike Farnworth says it's necessary to ensure the supply of food and medical equipment is secure. Retailers have been ordered to limit the amount of essential supplies it sells to shoppers, to prevent hoarding and empty shelves. Those retailers have been told to report their protective equipment inventories to a newly created Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit. The Unit will have the power to redirect supplies to where they are needed.Meanwhile, municipalities are being asked to provide the unit with lists of publicly owned spaces that could be used for isolation, testing, medical care, warehousing and distribution.The imminent shortage of illegal drugs in BC has prompted the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to empower doctors to write prescriptions for narcotics like heroin. They will be included in a new set of clinical guidelines for patients with substance misuse that will be made public soon.Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.To hear more on how the Coronavirus epidemic is effecting students and social services in Nanaimo, check out the podcast edition of Students in the Know.Have a tip? Email: news@chly.caTwitter: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FMFunded in by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Isobel Mackenzie is the seniors advocate for B.C.  She joins us to tell us what the province is doing to help seniors. 

BC Senior Advocate Isobel Mackenzie joins me to discuss the concern around the province's senior citizens as it relates to the coronavirus.

In today's show the first half is all about weather. I speak with Environment Canada Meteorologist Doug Lundquist about the snow storm we say in the area overnight and look ahead to see what we can expect here over the next day or two. I also speak with Kate Divine with Avalanche Canada as they monitor what is going on to keep people safe. In the back half I speak with Isobel Mackenzie from the BC Senior Advocate's Office. We talk about the need for better incident reporting and the push to make that happen in 2020. And to end things off I speak with UPS about package thieves and getting your parcels out on time to make sure they get to their destination before Christmas.

BC's Senior Advocate says at-home care needs to be much more affordable for seniors. In a new report, Isobel Mackenzie says seniors are paying up to 40 per cent of their income for one-to-two hours of care at home per day. Mackenzie says as a result there are 4,200 seniors in long-term care who could be living at home, and she suggests that is costing B.C. taxpayers more than $116 million dollars per year. She also says at-home care is precarious for workers, who often work casual and part-time. Guest: Isobel Mckenzie Seniors Advocate for British Columbia

The number of seniors in our province who deferred their property taxes has grown by 53 per cent in four years. The figures are contained in a report by B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie. We spoke to her on the show yesterday, and she says she would like to see seniors given the ability to defer more than just their property tax bills. Guest: Paul Sullivan Property Tax Agent and Senior Partner with Burgess Cawley Sullivan & Associates

Last week the BC Care Providers Association released a report entitled 'Situation Critical...' in regards to a labour shortage when it comes to senior care in BC. Our guest Isobel MacKenzie joins the program to outline a number of errors with the report. Isobel is a BC Seniors Advocate.