Seniors rally for support

Seniors in Vernon are once again rallying for more support from the government, as many seniors continue to live below the poverty line.

Carole Fawcett with Senior Tin Cup, says seniors will continue showing up to get attention from the government.

“We're going to keep at it and keep at it and keep at it,” said Fawcett.

The group gathered in the northeast corner of the gravel parking lot on 31st Ave by MP Mel Arnold’s office, to bring attention to the need for higher pensions.

Fawcett said she’s also concerned about seniors' access to healthcare in B.C.

B.C. Premier David Eby is also in Vernon Saturday morning for a healthcare announcement. Fawcett said she’d like to see Eby stop by the rally to hear first hand the struggles residents are going through.

“I just spoke to a woman just today who lives in an RV, a small RV, because she couldn't afford to stay in her home because of her medical expenses. That should not happen to somebody who's a senior who has given so much to this country,” said Fawcett.

The provincial government recently released a Poverty Reduction Strategy which aims to cut seniors' poverty in half by 2026.

On Saturday, the group garnered a lot of support, with numerous honks and shouts from passersby. Fawcett says support is always phenomenal, and they plan to be rallying until about noon.