We Need Government That Puts People First

Official news magazine of the B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM) Vol. 19 No. 3 Winter 2016 We need government that puts people first John Horgan and the NDP are charting a course towards an economy that works for ordinary families, not just mega-corporations and billionaires

or five years, a smiling Christy Clark has topped up her F$200,000 salary with $50,000 a year from wealthy donors to the BC Liberal Party. While personally prof- iting from catering to the elite, Clark has taken away bus passes for people with disabilities and skewed the tax system to ensure the super-rich pay a lower rate of taxes than all other British Columbians. In a dramatic contrast, NDP Lead- John Horgan, Leader of the BC NDP, visits a child care centre just prior to announcing er John Horgan has outlined initia- his plan for $10 a day child care – a key step towards an economy that works for people. tives to create good jobs, make taxes more fair, and build a strong economy that works for ordinary people. Action on child care His proposals include: C FORUM has strongly welcomed the BC NDP’s plan to bring affordable • Power BC, a vision for clean sus- Bchild care to B.C. “This is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed,” tainable energy and new jobs. said Diane Wood, President of BC FORUM. “We’ve been fighting for quality, • Elimination of MSP premiums, a affordable child care for decades. We fought for it as members of our unions. massively regressive tax. Today, many years later, the need is even more acute.” • Increasing the minimum wage to Wood said the lack of affordable child care steals opportunities from $15 an hour. working families, and prevents many parents from contributing their skills • $10 a day child care to give kids a to our economy. good start and allow more parents “We had a very emotional debate on child care at this year’s Annual Gen- to contribute to our economy. eral Meeting. Grandparents who are looking after their children’s children You will find more details on the are wondering how many more years they can continue,” she said. NDP’s proposals to put people first Please see “NDP will...” on page 4 in this edition of The Advocate. THE ADVOCATE

Board of Directors Labour Council President Delegates and Regional In this Diane Wood, BCGEU Representatives Chair Campbell River, Irene Lanzinger, BCFED Courtenay & District edition Vice Presidents Suzanne Bennett With the next BC election only months John Savage, UNIFOR Lynda Reid away, this edition includes expanded coverage of provincial issues and pro- Bill Silvester, USW East Kootenay & District posals to improve the lives of ordinary Secretary Chris Johns people. But fear not – we’re still keep- Miriam Olney, UFCW Fraser Valley ing an eye on Ottawa! Treasurer Pamela Willingshofer In this edition: Dan Bradford, BCGEU Kamloops & District • The crisis in seniors’ care Directors Mogens Jorgensen in British Columbia ...... 6-7 Donisa Bernardo, HEU Kitimat, Terrace & District • CPP expansion moves Millie Canessa, BCGEU Raymond Raj a step closer as BC opts in ...... 9 Fred Girling, USW • BC FED calls for action on Nanaimo, Duncan & District Gord Larkin, CLC good jobs, good wages...... 10 Barb Mikulec, BCTF Iris Taylor • Libby Davies: Marion Pollack, CUPW New Westminster & District Why I joined BC FORUM ...... 16 John Radosevic, UNIFOR Ken Isomura Andy Ross, MoveUp Gerry Townsend Copyright 2016 Gord Savard, CUPE North Central Articles may be re-printed if they include: Maureen Shaw, FPSE “Reprinted with permission from Victor Johnson Russ St. Eloi, BCTC The Advocate, official newsmagazine of the Heather Sapergia Gordon Westrand, ILWU B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members, Ron Williams Sam Wiese, PSAC www.bcforum.ca.” North Okanagan Staff Theresa Couture, USW Doug Gibson Visit the BC FORUM website: Greg McGowan Port Alberni & District www.bcforum.ca Mike Lang The Advocate is published by the South Okanagan Boundary Join us on Facebook: B.C. Federation of Retired Union Mem- John Colbourne facebook.com/ bers. BC FORUM – supported by WE Terry Green Consulting and Benefits and affiliated BCRetiredUnion with the B.C. Federation of Labour – is Squamish Labour Committee dedicated to representing the interests Marie Worth MembersForum of members and their families, continuing into retirement the relationship they Sunshine Coast enjoyed with the union movement. Ray Haynes #200-5118 Joyce Street Vancouver & District Printing of the Vancouver, BC V5R 4H1 Sandy Bauer Toll-free 1.800.896.5678 Agnes Jackman Advocate courtesy Tel. 604.688.4565 [email protected] Victoria of UFCW Local 1518 Editor: Soren Bech Michael Ferguson [email protected] 2102 Porter Rd, Roberts Creek, West Kootenay & District B.C., V0N 2W5 Mary Gay

2 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 FROM THE PRESIDENT Courage, my friends, it’s not too late to build a better world By Diane Wood me a great deal. President, BC FORUM Will name-calling replace civil de- emocracy is the most power- bate on the critical issues that affect ful tool we have to build us and our families? civil societies – communities D Will respect for each other, in- where every person has the oppor- cluding those with whom we dis- tunity to fully participate and con- agree, be burned on the altar of win- tribute to our collective well-being. ning at all costs? It is based on a shared understand- ing that none of us stands alone and Will we be swamped in lies and that we are stronger together. fake news? Canadians have fought and died If ever there was a time when it to defend our right to elect our own was essential for us to stick together, governments, but as the US election this is it. demonstrated, democracy is fragile. As the US election vividly dem- Donald Trump’s campaign strat- onstrated, no candidate is perfect. egists said in the days before the Every one of them has strengths and election that the only way he could weaknesses. Some candidates and win was to drive down voter turn- parties will work for social justice, out. He succeeded. Millions stayed equality and respect. Others will not. home. Turnout was the lowest in 20 We must judge. We must partici- years. pate – ideally by helping to nomin- What’s particularly dangerous ate candidates we trust. is the way he did it. He denigrated In the end, we must vote. Staying democratic government as a swamp. home on election day is not an op- He called his Republican rivals tion. names: Little Marco, Lyin’ Ted, and Low Energy Jeb. In the campaign it- As Tommy Douglas said: self, with no basis in fact, he brand- “Courage, my friends, it’s not too ed his opponent Crooked Hillary. Diane Wood late to build a better world.” Implicitly or explicitly, he spread That’s our goal. By standing now taking steps to clamp down on hate and disrespect towards Lat- together – from issue to issue and fake news sites. inos, blacks, jews, women, gays and election to election – we will work in everyone who dared to oppose him. But the damage is done. Even solidarity to help achieve that vision I have never seen a political cam- before Trump takes office, America for ourselves, our children, grand- paign so rude, callous, self-centred is weaker, and the world is much children, nieces and nephews. and devoid of truth. more dangerous. Xenophobes, big- ots, misogynists, autocrats and hate- With the Trump campaign using Happy Holidays mongers are rushing to follow the the social network to send targeted n behalf of the volunteer board path blazed by the new leader of the messages to his supporters, even of directors of BC FORUM, I ex- free world. O Facebook is caught up in contro- tend to you and your loved ones our versy. A story from a fake news site It has already hit very close to very best wishes for the holidays. claimed Hillary Clinton was a de- home. Hate literature and racist in- This is a time of year when we votee of satanic rituals. Facebook cidents are on the rise in B.C. and come together to celebrate and users shared it more than 3,000 Canada. support each other. Let’s keep that times. As we prepare for our provincial spirit alive to carry us forward into a Both Google and Facebook are election in May, these trends worry happy and productive new year. The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 3 FROM PAGE 1

John Horgan, Leader of the BC NDP, met with the BC FORUM Horgan, Robinson and Simpson discussed a wide-range of issues board of directors in September. He was accompanied by Selina and participated in a lively question and answer session with Robinson, the party’s spokesperson on seniors, and Shane Simp- board members. The next provincial election will take place in son, caucus chair and spokesperson on economic development. just a few months on Tuesday May 9, 2017. NDP will address child care crisis Continued from page 1 The tax-transfer return to govern- try. Too many parents can’t find The burden of inadequate child ment significantly exceeds the cost child care and spend years on wait- care falls on all generations, said of subsidies. lists,” he said. Wood. The report concluded that uni- Roughly 20 percent of children While acknowledging that a prov- versal child care improves the lives have access to regulated childcare. incial child care program would have of children and families, and is “a Fees in the Lower Mainland can run to over $1200 per month. significant start-up costs, Wood said profitable enterprise” for all levels of this is more than repaid in early edu- government. “Lack of affordable, quality child cation benefits to children, econom- The BC NDP says the Christy care prevents parents from partici- ic stimulus, and long-term returns to Clark government’s failure to invest pating in the labour force. B.C.’s government. in affordable universal child care has business and labour sectors agree with New Democrats that the Clark created a crisis for working families. “It’s a money maker,” said Wood, government’s ongoing neglect of citing research published in 2012 by “It’s time families have affordable, child care makes it difficult for busi- the Research Chair in Taxation and universal child care in B.C. We’re go- nesses to attract women, young fam- Public Finance, Université de Sher- ing to work toward a $10-a-day pro- ilies and skilled workers.” brooke. gram. It’s the right thing to do for B.C. mothers’ participation rates The authors found that Quebec’s our kids, for working families and are the second lowest in Canada. affordable child care program made for our economy,” said NDP Leader Forty percent of B.C. families re- it possible for 70,000 more women John Horgan. port that a parent could not return to take long term jobs, increasing “Parents are paying some of the to work at the end of parental leave the provincial GDP by $5.1 billion. highest child care fees in the coun- due to lack of childcare spaces. 4 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 DAVE’S CORNER Be wary when buying out of province/country travel medical By David Porteous office has helped many retirees who revenue officers at the U.S. hospital nfortunately we have all purchased on-line policies and then if needed. This analysis will help re- heard of nightmare vacations called us once they were denied duce the overcharging by U.S. hos- Ucaused by medical problems. coverage! pitals. Buy out of province/country travel For this and other reasons we cre- Working or retired make sure you insurance wisely. You must play ated a program called Complex Case have out of province/country cover- close attention to the type of insur- Management that includes help for age. Yes, I mention out of province ance you buy. Is the policy you buy those who have been stuck with a again because you need coverage a “first payer” and how does the sub- big U.S. hospital bill whether insur- when visiting other provinces. Med- rogation work if any. Do “not” buy ance was purchased or not. ical costs can be higher than BC’s. the cheapest policy; cheapest could This case management can help You could be billed any difference. affect “if” and “how” the policy pays in many ways by the process of a David J.A. Porteous is an Elder Plan- out. detailed audit on policy wordings to ning Counselor (EPC) and President Thinking of buying travel medical determine if the insurance provider of Working Enterprises Consulting & on-line? Don’t assume the on-line should have paid the claim. Also we Benefits Services Ltd. policy wordings will be the same test for clinical relevance and a com- He is a charter member of the Can- as policies issued through licensed parative analysis followed by collab- adian Initiative for Elder Planning agents. Over the past few years our orative review of the bills with the Studies. Health Care and Dental Plans Exclusively for BC FORUM members and their families • Retiree health, or health with dental, • Estate planning. exclusively for BC FORUM members. • Registered Education Savings Plans for • Coverage for BC FORUM members still grandchildren (RESP). working who need benefits. • Guaranteed issue life insurance. • Individual health and dental plans that • Out of province/country travel medical cover pre-existing conditions for retiring • Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA). BC FORUM members and their families. • Staff are members of USW or UFCW. Union products and services are just a phone call away: Metro Vancouver: 604 941-7430, Ext. 108 or 223 • Interior: 250 861-5200, Ext. 108 or 223 Toll free: 1 855 894-8111 [email protected] • www.weconsultants.ca

The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 5 HEALTH CARE Seniors deserve better than what they’re getting By Holly Reid ever before, in the same work day.” ome support in B.C. is in crisis. Access to home support servi- The BC Government and ces has been declining significantly HService Employees’ Union in B.C. since 2001. Home support (BCGEU) represents thousands of clients are likely to be older, with members who work in community serious health problems, and more health. Our members tell us that the complex needs. Access limitations situation is troubling: B.C.’s senior are also destabilizing the health of population has increased by four seniors with moderate care needs per cent in just the past year, but who cannot get timely services. three out of five health authorities These services would keep them are providing fewer home support healthy and living at home. Some hours. This is because the B.C. Lib- find they can’t qualify for home eral government has allowed fund- support services until a health crisis ing for public home support services puts them in hospital. This is an ex- to stall. As a result, seniors’ care has pensive way to identify a need. health are skilled, professional and been suffering. Many of us have aging loved ones. committed. They work in the pub- That’s why the BCGEU has We have first-hand experience with licly funded health care system, launched Seniors Deserve Better, a the struggle to gain publicly funded travelling to clients’ homes to pro- campaign aimed at pressuring the home support for them. We’ve not vide both medical and other support government to increase funding for all succeeded. Where we have, we’ve services. A typical work day will see home support, and making this an seen the length of home support vis- them visiting a number of clients. important election issue. its get shorter and less frequent. On Community health workers are cost the flipside, the home support care- “Our members have been saying effective. They provide the services givers we represent at the BCGEU for years that cuts in funding have that allow seniors and people with tell us they’re frustrated because forced them to do the same work disabilities to remain living at home they can’t provide their clients with in less time,” says BCGEU president – a much more economical option the level of care they need. Stephanie Smith. “They are now ex- than hospital or assisted/long-term pected to care for more patients than Our members in community care. Not to mention that when seniors and people with disabilities live and are cared for in their own homes, it helps them lead longer, healthier and happier lives. With the provincial election just months away, we are at an oppor- tune time to make changes. We need you to join our network of people who will push to make funding for home support an election issue. Vis- it www.seniorsdeservebetter.ca and sign up for updates. Our campaign work will continue leading up to the election. If you’d like more information or to offer your help get in touch with Holly Reid, BCGEU digital campaigns: [email protected]. 6 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 HEALTH CARE Dignity Staffing crisis and Respect. in seniors’ care By Jennifer Whiteside, They earned it. Secretary-Business Manager, Hospital Employees’ Union

eniors’ care is about people looking after people. It’s about providing care in as safe and dignified Smanner as possible. Yet, right now in B.C., we are facing a crisis which is seriously undercutting our abil- ity to deliver that standard of care. It’s been fuelled by underfunding, chronic under- staffing, and a surge in profit-making businesses where many seniors’ homes are being bought and sold like real estate, and entire care teams are fired and replaced in the process. The casualties are both seniors and the people who provide their care. Last spring, B.C.’s Seniors Advocate Isobel Macken- zie revealed that four out of every five residential care But four out of five homes in B.C. don’t receive enough funding to meet the government’s own minimum staffing guidelines. care homes in B.C. She also noted that home support hours are dropping in three out of five health authorities. aren’t funded to In response, the provincial government ordered a meet government’s review of the staffing levels and staffing mix in residential care, which is expected to be released this fall. minimum staffing Our union is calling for the following actions: guidelines. • First, as an urgent interim measure, every care home must be funded to meet the government’s current minimum staffing guideline of 3.36 hours of care per resident per day. This measure must also include mechanisms to ensure new funding supports higher Join the campaign staffing, not more profits or administration. • Second, government needs to strike a comprehen- for safe, quality care sive review involving all stakeholders to establish an appropriate minimum staffing level that is both for the elderly at legislated and enforceable. • And third, government must stop the ongoing mass carecantwait.ca staff layoffs brought about by repeated contracting out in our publicly-funded, but privately-owned and operated, long-term care homes. These recommendations are based on putting the funding and accountability measures into place that A MESSAGE from will ensure every care home in B.C. has safe, adequate staffing and a higher standard of care. HEU members in your Because if you are a senior, who is dependent on community staff to meet your urgent needs – care can’t wait. The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 7 KEEPING AN EYE ON OTTAWA Canada needs smarter investment for the future, not more P3 projects n its most recent fiscal update, In 2014, an Ontario auditor gen- the federal government an- eral report found that most P3 pro- Inounced that it is prioritizing jects have turned out to be more infrastructure investment to sup- expensive to both government (cost port long-term growth. And while overruns) and consumers (user fees, investments in public transit, green tolls and lower quality services). infrastructure and rural and north- Yussuff said it’s odd that the fed- ern communities are welcome, there eral government would set up a bank is concern that investments in clean to facilitate public borrowing from air, clean water, social housing, and the private sector at a time when child care were not addressed. the federal government can borrow “We support the priorities that money at record low interest rates. the government is continuing to “Canada needs investment in a fund under their infrastructure plan. green industrial transformation, not Public transit can lower congestion more of the same private-public part- and emissions, as well as improve nerships that short-change workers productivity and well being,” said and communities,” said Yussuff. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau CLC president Hassan Yussuff. “But investment in clean air and clean water are critical to the health Trudeau: keep the promise and well being of everyone in Can- LC President Hassan Yussuff electoral reform town hall meetings ada. Investments in social housing and partners in the Every Vot- and appearing before the special and child care are sorely needed, C er Counts Alliance have called on committee on electoral reform to and would help create good jobs,” the federal government to fulfill its demonstrate support for propor- added Yussuff. promise on electoral reform and in- tional representation. The government also announced stitute a made in Canada version of “No party should be able to get a the establishment of a new Canada proportional representation. majority of seats without getting a Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to pro- mote private-public partnerships. “This is an opportunity to uphold majority of the votes,” he said. the democratic principle of making “We have serious concerns about “The number of seats a party re- every vote count. The only way to private investment in public infra- ceives in the House of Commons structure. It prioritizes investments do that is through proportional rep- should correlate to that party’s share such as toll bridges and highways resentation," said Yussuff. of the popular vote. over clean air and clean water,” said Throughout the summer and fall, “It’s not complicated. It’s just Yussuff. Labour activists have been attending fair."

It’s Union Members The ILWU and Retirees like Canada family you that give us the wishes you legs to stand on. and yours a Keep up the great safe & happy work! holiday season Happy holidays. ILWU Local 500 proudly celebrates its 50th year of amalgamation.

8 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 FIGHTING FOR RETIREMENT SECURITY

realistic solution is to improve the Under the agreement reached CPP CPP,” said Wood. between the federal and provincial “Pension reform is a priority issue governments benefits will gradually expansion for all working people in Canada,” increase to one third of pensionable said Lanzinger, adding that the earnings. Premiums paid by employ- one step labour movement’s campaign to ex- ers and workers will increase mar- pand the CPP will make life better ginally starting in 2019. closer for many Canadians. While this improvement will help BC ends holdout on CPP benefits are currently a max- many of today’s workers, especially imum of 25 percent of pensionable young workers, to retire in dignity, approving agreement earnings, or $1,092.50 a month. The it falls short of the Canadian Labour for better pensions average retirement pension paid to Congress goal of having the CPP new beneficiaries in July 2016 was replace 50 percent of pensionable significant expansion in Canada $642.45. earnings. APension Plan benefits is one step closer to becoming a reality after BC ended its holdout status and for- mally signed on to the agreement Measures to improve the in principle reached at a First Minis- ters’ meeting in July. fairness of the tax system “Improving CPP benefits and C’s tax system has been made 4.5 percent of the first family’s in- retirement security for millions “remarkably regressive,” says the come and only 0.45 percent of the of Canadians is the most import- B Canadian Centre for Policy Alterna- second’s.” ant expansion of a social program tives’ BC Office. “When all BC per- in Canada for decades,” said Irene The CCPA also recommended sonal taxes are considered – income, Lanzinger, Chair of BC FORUM and that costly natural gas royalty credits sales, property, carbon, and MSP pre- President of the BC Federation of which subsidize fracking operations miums – we find that lower-income Labour. be ended. BC should consider a shift households pay a higher overall tax Diane Wood, President of BC to a minimum royalty for each unit rate as a share of their income than rather than the current approach FORUM, thanked members who higher-income households,” the participated in the “public engage- that only pays reasonable royalties CCPA said during consultations on when market prices are very high, ment” process which convinced the the 2017 provincial budget. BC government to support improve- said the brief. “This is unfair and should be ur- ment of the CPP. “More broadly, BC has the low- gently remedied.” “I was very concerned to read est top marginal income tax rate The CCPA called on the provin- reports, earlier this year, which in Canada, the lowest corporate in- suggested the BC government was cial government to strike a Fair Tax come tax rate, and the third-lowest backing away from supporting CPP Commission to recommend chan- small business tax rate (after Mani- enhancement. This would have de- ges to make taxes more equitable. toba and Saskatchewan). Partly as stroyed the entire deal for Canada. “The Commission should mean- a result, provincial public spending It was very important to let the gov- ingfully engage with British Colum- has shrunk as a share of GDP even as ernment know that while the CPP bians from all walks of life through- public investment is urgently need- enhancement won’t help retired out the province about the services ed to tackle the range of collective workers, it will sure help our young- they want and how we can fairly pay challenges we face.” er colleagues, our kids, grandkids, for them,” said the CCPA. The brief suggested BC should nieces and nephews,” said Wood. As a priority, the CCPA recom- set tax rates closer to the average of BC’s participation is essential to mended that “highly regressive MSP other Canadian provinces and make meet the population requirements premiums” be eliminated in the crucial investments in people and for amending the CPP. next budget. The BC Liberals have public services. “Lack of public in- “There are already 600,000 Can- more than doubled MSP premiums. vestment is actually costing BC bil- adians living in poverty, and in to- “A two parent family with a com- lions each year, and, more import- day’s economy workers change jobs bined income of $40,000 currently antly, perpetuating poverty, putting frequently and most do not have a pays $1,800 per year, the same as the environment at risk, and ultim- workplace pension plan. The only a family making $400,000. That’s ately damaging people’s lives.” The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 9 AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR PEOPLE BCFED calls for good jobs, good wages action plan Statistics Canada est in Canada, Ekman says. data shows continued “But under the Liberals, we’ve fallen to the low end, in a province growth in part-time, where living costs are skyrocketing.” low paid precarious The BCFED’s nine-point action work as wages fail to plan includes a call that Victoria keep up with rising implement a good jobs strategy to create more full-time work in all sec- costs in BC tors of the economy instead of precarious part-time positions. he BC Federation of Labour has criticized the Clark gov- It calls on the BC government to Ternment for poor economic set a goal of making BC first in Can- management, declining wages, and ada in the creation of good-paying. the loss of good-paying, full-time full-time jobs. jobs that support families and com- Ekman also demanded that the munities. government shift gears with policies to make BC first in Canada for the highest average wage, including “Unless we do something a $15 per hour minimum wage that fast and chart a different would lift 500,000 BC workers – 25% course, our province is of the work force – out of poverty. going to be a place where “For workers, life is less affordable because wages just aren’t keeping only the rich can live.” up. Aaron Ekman, Secretary-Treasurer of the “We’re paying more for every- “There’s a crisis taking shape B.C. Federation of Labour, outlined the thing. across our economy because good case for action on good jobs, good wages “And the government is piling on jobs are disappearing in BC, while in a presentation to the Legislature’s fi- higher costs for the basics like Hy- nance committee. wages aren’t keeping pace,” said dro, ICBC, and MSP premiums. BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Aaron Advocate file photo “Unless we do something fast and Ekman in a presentation to Liberal families and communities are on the chart a different course, our prov- and NDP politicians on the finance decline,” he told the committee. ince is going to be a place where committee of the provincial legisla- “And a deeper analysis of month- only the rich can live,” he said. ture. ly government GSHORE N & W LO A “And we face the mounting prob- L R E A employment sta- H N O O

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tistics shows that RN

NT the Clark government has failed to I part-time jobs SHAWN LAKUSTA address,” he told the politicians. with low wages PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVE CANADA Ekman says the recent timber mill and instability closure in Merritt that will put 200 for workers are RETAIL WHOLESALE UNION mill workers out of work just before on the rise.” 203-129 Columbia Street East, New Westminster, BC V3L 3V7 Christmas symbolizes the looming Historically, Tel: 604-777-2991 Fax: 604-777-2465 crisis. average wages Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-877-RWUNION CLC-B.C. Fed “Good-paying, full-time jobs – in BC used to be like the 200 in Merritt – that support among the high- 10 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 SOLIDARITY Website helps you shop union

C FORUM members who want beer, wine, taxi cabs and other con- company that makes it, its location, to support other union mem- sumer items are being added to the its website and its union affiliation. bers at work should take a look site every week. B Check out www.shopunion.ca at a website developed here in BC Simply type in the name of the which helps progressive consumers item you want to buy. The key word Support the union members who identify union goods and services. search tells you the name of the produce these goods for you. ShopUnion.ca launched in Janu- ary, 2012, and it has thousands of listings of common products and services which we buy every day of the week. Items as diverse as car batteries, breakfast cereals, work clothing, Information for retired workers • Seniors are frequent targets of scam artists. The Can- adian Centre for Elder Law has published a series of fact sheets on the most common frauds and how you can protect yourself on the phone, in your home and community, on the internet, and how to prevent identity theft. Google “Be a Savvy Senior Fraud Protection.” • A People’s Law School pub- lication summarizes benefits which may be available to seniors in B.C., including OAS, CPP, EI and welfare. Search the web for “When I’m 64: Benefits for Seniors” to download the publica- tion or order a free copy. • The Council of Senior Cit- izens’ Organizations of B.C. (COSCO) offers a wide range of free workshops to seniors groups throughout the province. Visit www. coscobc.org for a complete listing of topics and details on how to schedule a work- shop for your group.

The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 11 HOUSING / AFFORDABILITY Affordability getting worse for seniors in metro Vancouver

he affordability crisis is hitting seniors in metro Vancouver es- Tpecially hard, and it’s getting worse, say the New Democrats. A recent report on affordability in metro Vancouver showed that there was a 38-per-cent increase in the number of seniors waiting for affordable housing between 2012 and 2016, all of this while the Christy Clark government claimed to be taking action. “Seniors are facing long waits for basic, affordable housing,” said New Democrat spokesperson for seniors, Selina Robinson. “They’re living with family mem- Selina Robinson, NDP spokesperson for seniors (right), along with John Horgan, party bers or left for too long in temporary leader, and MLA Shane Simpson (not pictured), met with President Diane Wood and accommodations. The Clark govern- other members of the BC FORUM board of directors in September. ment simply hasn’t taken the appropriate steps to ensure that seniors have a home of their own.” Some of Christy Clark’s Robinson outlined the story of benefit clawbacks to end Linda Brunden, a Burnaby senior fter months of pressure the Clark 3,500 people with disabilities un- who moved into a temporary resi- government has finally agreed able to afford a bus pass – making dence in August, 2015 and has been A it harder for them to participate in on the housing registry ever since. to end benefit clawback policies that drove families deeper into poverty, their communities,” said Mungall, “In March, there were more than says B.C. New Democrat social de- and many people with disabilities 3,500 seniors like Linda on the hous- velopment spokesperson Michelle are forced to choose between trans- ing registry,” said Robinson. Mungall. portation and food. “She lost her job because the busi- “John Horgan and the B.C. New “British Columbia is the only ness she was working for was sold, Democrats demanded that the gov- province in Canada without a and as a result, she wound up home- poverty reduction plan, and it less and lived on the street for two ernment do the right thing for families by putting an end to their cruel shows,” said Mungall. “More than weeks. She called BC211, and was half of British Columbians are living told to go to an emergency shelter policy of taking away parental leave and other Employment Insurance paycheck to paycheck. One quar- in the downtown eastside of Van- ter of children are living below the benefits from disabled British Col- couver. poverty line. Wages are stagnant and umbians,” said Mungall. “She eventually found temporary the cost of living is skyrocketing. Unfortunately, this is just one of housing, meant to last three to six “In Christy Clark’s B.C. the only many backwards B.C. Liberal poli- months, and has been there more people who aren’t struggling are than a year. cies that have left families struggling the ones who can afford to spend “Linda is the embodiment of the to afford the basics, she said. $20,000 to sit next to her at fund- failure of the Clark Liberal govern- “The Christy Clark government raising dinners. That’s just wrong, ment to address the serious housing continues to refuse to reverse the and the Christy Clark government affordability crisis.” bus pass clawback that has left over has the wrong priorities.” 12 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 POWER AND JOBS PowerBC will create jobs and clean, affordable electricity owerBC is a sweeping energy plan that will create jobs in Pevery community in B.C. while protecting families and businesses from runaway Hydro bills. “Our kids and grandkids deserve real leadership. With our plan we are looking forward and creating clean energy jobs throughout B.C.,” says NDP Leader John Horgan. “By far the most efficient way to meet B.C.’s future energy needs is to save energy now,” says Jennie Moore, Associate Dean for Build- ing Design and Construction Tech- nology at BCIT. “Here at BCIT we showed that it is possible to achieve George Heyman, NDP spokesperson on the environment and green jobs, Rob Baxter of a 75 percent reduction in energy de- Vancouver Renewable Energy, John Horgan, NDP Leader, and Jennie Moore of BCIT, un- mand with deep building retrofits.” veiled PowerBC late last year. The ambitious plan is key to a strong BC economy. “There is huge potential in new PowerBC has four components: bines and transformers designed in clean energy technologies,” says the 1950s. Some are not built out to Rob Baxter of Vancouver Renewable Retrofit public buildings full capacity. By installing new, high- Energy. “PowerBC will allow us to A serious long-term commitment efficiency technology and adding take advantage of the best of these to energy efficiency in public build- technologies.” ings will save money, reduce overall capacity, we can generate more elec- demand, and create good-paying tricity without flooding farms and PowerBC will conserve, invest sensitive ecosystems or encroaching and innovate to: jobs and apprenticeships. For every dollar spent, according to BC Stats, on First Nations land title. • Protect BC Hydro customers from such retrofits create twice as many runaway bills. Invest in clean energy jobs as dam construction. Whether it’s wind, solar, battery • Produce good-paying jobs close technology or electric vehicles, the to home, in every community in Retrofit homes and businesses costs are dropping and demand is British Columbia. The cheapest and greenest source of electricity is conservation. By surging. B.C. has tremendous op- • Protect our farmland and natural helping families and businesses re- portunities to produce renewable environment. place wasteful equipment, seal leaks energy and export renewable energy • Respect First Nations land title. and install proper insulation, we technology. With investment and • Launch careers in clean energy can cut Hydro bills, free up gener- leadership, B.C. can support our and retrofit construction, main- ating capacity, and reduce climate technology sector and foster the tenance, manufacturing, and changing emissions where oil or gas good-paying research, engineering high-tech engineering. are used for heat. In an average de- and trades jobs of the future. • Guarantee B.C. jobs and training tached single-family home, a retrofit The NDP will position B.C. to be- opportunities through local pro- can cut energy bills by up to 25 per- come a clean energy powerhouse by curement and local hiring. cent, a household savings of hun- taking advantage of the more than dreds of dollars every year. • Ensure B.C. has access to clean 300 promising sites for wind gener- and affordable electricity for gen- Maximize existing dams ated power, both inland and on the erations to come. Many dams are operating tur- coast. The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 13 NEWS IN BRIEF

BC FORUM Board members Diane Wood, John Radosevic, Mir- Agnew Jackman, Marion Pollack, Bill Silvester, Miriam Olney, Fred iam Olney and Russ St. Eloi helped the New Westminster and Girling, Diane Wood and Barb Mikulec represented BC FORUM at a District Labour Council celebrate its 50th anniversary. major COSCO conference in September. Senior Citizens’ Repair Service We provide low-cost minor house repairs, renovations and maintenance for seniors 55 Happy years and over and for people with disabilities. Services include plumbing, carpentry, elec- trical work, gas fitting, painting, yard work and general handyman services. Holidays All services are guaranteed for 30 days and offered by retired or semi-retired experienced tradespeople. Office hours are 9 am to 12 noon, Monday to Friday. Serves Metro Vancouver. Phone: 604 529-1100 Sponsored by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 170

14 – The Advocate, Winter 2016 TOGETHER WE’RE STRONG Strengthening BC FORUM has Renew your membership never been more – and sign up a friend important lease have a look at the mailing label on this edition of The Advocate to Please encourage your check whether your membership is now due for renewal. If your mem- Pbership is about to expire, you can renew by mailing the coupon below friends to join our team to BC FORUM, #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1. hrough our unions, before we re- You can also renew your membership on-line at www.bcforum.ca. Ttired, we’ve all seen the benefits We also ask for your help in reaching out to people who are nearing re- of collective action. Our voices are tirement or have already retired. Like all membership-based organizations, strongest when we stand together in we are all stronger when as many people as possible work together. solidarity. Remember that BC FORUM actively welcomes workers who are 50 and That’s where BC FORUM comes older, so don’t be shy about encouraging your friends and family members in. We are the only provincial organ- to join us, even if they are still in the workforce. ization that represents union members who have retired or are near- Solidarity makes us strong. ing retirement. We are an integral part of the labour movement, with formal representation in leadership BC FORUM has always provided free $2,500 bodies, and maintain strong links Accidental Death and Dismemberment insur- with provincial and national sen- ance coverage to members. iors’ groups. We are proud to now extend this coverage Together, we can make a differ- Great to members’ spouses at the low cost of $5 per ence for ourselves and our families. year. All you have to do is check the appropri- Please encourage friends, colleagues deal! ate box when you apply or renew your mem- and family members to join us bership. BC FORUM’s AD&D coverage is valid using the form below, or on-line at until you reach age 86, the maximum age we www.bcforum.ca. were able to negotiate. Please check your expiry dateí on the mailing label. BCGEU, HSA, MoveUp, CEU, CUPE 386, UFCW, Heat and # Frost, UNIFOR 2301 and LiUNA 1611 pay first year dues for qualified members. B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members • #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, V5R 4H1 604 688-4565 • 1 800 896-5678 • Fax: 604 430-5917 • [email protected] • www.bcforum.ca Membership: q Application q Renewal q New address

Name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| LAST FIRST INITIAL Address: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| STREET ADDRESS CITY POSTAL CODE Phone: |__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|__|__|__| E-mail: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Union: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of birth:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR Spouse’s name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Spouse’s birth date:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR q $20 - 1 year q $49 - 3 years (free $2,500 AD&D for member) q $25 - 1 year q $64 - 3 years (adds $2,500 AD&D for spouse) Payment: q Cheque q Visa q MC Expiry: |__|__| / |__|__| SIGNATURE Card number: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of application: |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR * Required for AD&D group insurance coverage to age 86. The Advocate, Winter 2016 – 15 THE LAST WORD Helping to build a better BC

here are many reasons for join- ing BC FORUM, including ac- Tcess to group benefit plans and supporting collective action on issues that affect our families. “I joined because it’s a good way to stay connected with progressive people and issues and the labour movement,” says Libby Davies, for- mer Deputy Leader of Canada’s NDP. “I really like the idea that we are activists for life – and retirement doesn’t mean you go to some other world that’s distant from what you care about and want to be involved in,” says Davies. “I also like that the BC Forum has real benefits... for example, I loved (seeing the information about) the maintenance/repair service provided by retired trades folks. How cool is that!” A Vancouver City councillor for 11 years, Davies was elected as MP for Vancouver East in 1997. She served as NDP House Leader from 2003 to 2015, and Deputy Leader from 2007 to 2015. In her many critic roles, she was a strong advocate on affordable housing, homelessness, multicultur- alism, drug policy reform, and public health care, including improve- Libby Davies, an icon to progressive people in Canada, speaks out about why she joined ments in end of life care. She did not people working for change through the BC Federation of Retired Union Members. seek re-election in 2015. “BC FORUM is clearly very in- New address? New e-mail address? volved in current issues that concern Please send your new address and e-mail address to BC Forum. us all, like education, health care, You can mail in the form on page 15, or you can reach us by telephone decent wages and workplace safety, or e-mail: 1.800.896.5678 (toll free), 604.688.4565, [email protected] and as ‘retired’ folks we can count ourselves in to help, motivate, and make the tent bigger,” says Davies. “You know what they say about women as we age – we get more rad- ical. “It seems to me this is a good time to get our province going in a progressive direction and retired 41946512 folks can be a key part of that,” says Please check the expiry date on your label. Is your membership due for renewal? Davies. 16 – The Advocate, Winter 2016