BC FORUM News - from The Advocate, September, 2013

BC FORUM members speak out

Lively annual meeting debated a wide range of resolutions on issues affecting workers, retirees and our families

There was no shortage of determination to speak out and demand change at the 2013 BC FORUM annual general meeting, held in Burnaby in June.

The members debated and in some cases proposed amendments to a package of resolutions defending public health care, calling for action on an independent seniors’ advocate, and maintaining the Therapeutics’ Initiative as an independent watchdog over the safety of prescription drugs.

They also declared support for defined benefit pension plans, maintenance and expansion of post-retirement health care benefits, and opposed privatization of postal services.

In addition, the members adopted the Board of Directors’ report on the many activities undertaken by BC FORUM over the last year.

Janine Farrell, Seniors Care Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives described the mounting challenges facing seniors who hope to age in place. Secretary-Treasurer Irene Lanzinger brought greetings from the B.C. Federation of Labour.