Charlottetown – Premier Wade MacLauchlan today released the Liberal Party’s plan to support Island seniors. A Liberal Government will increase funding for home repair and renovations for low-income Islanders and seniors.

“We know that many seniors want to stay in their homes or with family members for as long as possible,” said the Premier. “A Liberal Government will help seniors remain independent and close to family and friends.”

A new seniors tax credit and personal income tax changes that will assist 12,000 low and moderate income Islanders. This includes more than 2,000 Islanders who previously paid tax and will, as a result of these changes, pay no tax at all.

Premier MacLauchlan announced a Liberal Government will invest in a number of healthcare initiatives to provide better access to care for seniors, including:

• Increased medication reviews for Island seniors to ensure safe and appropriate use of medications;
• A community paramedicine homecare program where paramedics will visit the homes of seniors to administer medical care;
• Improved access to specialists and reduced wait times;
• Timely access to healthcare through the enhanced role of pharmacists and nurse practitioners; and
• And the recruitment of nurses and physicians to rural communities

A Liberal Government will continue to expand access to long-term care, providing seniors a quality home-like setting that is focused on the needs of residents. The number of long-term care beds in Prince Edward Island has increased to 1,146 from 996 in 2006. New manors have been built in Souris, Alberton, Summerside, and Charlottetown. A Liberal Government will open new manors in Montague and Tyne Valley.

The Premier stated that the Liberal Party will operate the new 10-bed standalone provincial Palliative Care Centre and provide additional operating funding for day programs. The Liberal Party will support home-based and extended palliative care services so that more Islanders requiring palliative care can be closer to loved ones.

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Media Contact: Grant Palmer • 902.393.7975 • media@liberalpei.ca