Seniors advocate needed, NDP Opposition says

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on Premier Brad Wall to appoint a seniors' advocate to deal with quality of care issues.

But Wall says the existing provincial ombudsman can handle those concerns.

The debate over a senior's advocate came a day after three employees spoke out about workloads and the quality of care at Regina's Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.

NDP leader Cam Broten said his party has called for appointing such an advocate before, but with the latest controversies, it's needed now more than ever.

"The ombudsman is there for when things have gone wrong," Broten said Tuesday. "And Margaret's case [at the Santa Maria] from last week is an example of something going horribly wrong."

Broten said an advocate could be proactive and suggest changes before a situation gets worse.

Wall did not shut the door entirely on the concept of a dedicated seniors advocate. He said if the provincial ombudsman made a request for additional resources, it's something the government would look at.

"We're going to see just how busy the ... ombudsman gets with seniors cases and if it's required, it's something we'll absolutely look at," Wall said.

Isobel Mackenzie, the seniors advocate in B.C., said for any province creating such post, it's important that the person be independent. 

Mackenzie says the care plans across the country are patchwork and all provinces should have minimum standards.

"We need a national long-term care strategy, an overall strategy, for how we are going to deal with our frail and vulnerable adults across Canada," she said.