Saskatchewan Seniors’ Strategy
Year: 2019
Resolution
Whereas the Saskatchewan senior population (aged 55 and over) represented 27 per cent of the total population in 2016, and projections indicate that this will increase to 34.1 per cent of the total Saskatchewan population by 2038; and
Whereas Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland have a Ministry for seniors, Alberta and British Columbia have a Seniors Advocate, and Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland have an Advisory Council; and
Whereas there is a need for a seniors’ strategy in Saskatchewan with significant dedicated resources, and a structure that recognizes that municipal governments have a stake in seniors’ issues; and
Whereas a provincial seniors’ strategy would need to contemplate issues of infrastructure and services as well as the related, but more intangible, things such as quality of life and community involvement; and
Whereas it is important for a meaningful seniors’ strategy to focus on six key areas: housing, health care, transportation, services, finances, and meaningful participation in the community that leads to improved quality of life;
Therefore be it resolved that the SUMA (SUMA) advocate the provincial government to immediately begin developing a comprehensive seniors’ strategy, in cooperation with SUMA and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities; and
Be it further resolved that SUMA advocate the government to develop and resource a ministerial or advocate structure, separate from the Ministry of Health, to oversee and fund the implementation of the seniors’ strategy.
2019-09
