Advocates encourage MLAs to plan for the future of dementia at the B.C. Legislature

People living with dementia and their care partners, our volunteers and staff exchanged personal stories with Members of the Legislative Assembly and talked about how we can work together to improve dementia care across B.C.

The annual luncheon is a critical, non-partisan opportunity for MLAs of all political stripes to hear directly from people affected by dementia, challenge stigma and explore ways to plan for the rising number of people living with dementia in the province. Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care Harwinder Sandhu; MLA Shirley Bond, Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care; and MLA Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Green Party all took to the mic and shared and their vision for a dementia-friendly future. Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO Jennifer Lyle highlighted the rising prevalence of dementia among equity-deserving communities and the increased supports needed, while caregiver Baljit Kang shared her family’s personal experience of caring for her mother over a 12-year journey marked by inadequate supports for South Asian communities. Though the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is making headway with new language- and culturally-specific supports, Baljit says, more in-language resources are needed.

We are proud B.C.’s legislature was the first in Canada to become dementia friendly and for the commitment all MLAs in B.C. have shown to ensure the voices of people affected by dementia are heard throughout its halls. A huge thank you goes out to all of our lived experience partners who joined the event – and to everyone who amplifies our efforts to change the conversation about dementia in communities across the province. With the number of people living with dementia in the province expected to nearly triple by 2050, your support for our work is needed now more than ever. Remember, you don’t have to go to the legislature to advocate!