Government disappointing seniors: Dube

FREDERICTON- The Progressive-conservative Opposition critic for Social Development, Madeleine Dube says New Brunswick seniors are being misled by the current government, and it is costing them money.

Dube says a review of what the Shawn Graham government promised seniors compared to what it has delivered, shows seniors across the province are getting unfairly treated, both as a result of broken election promises and extra fees not even hinted at in the 2006 campaign.

The Opposition critic says the government did promise it would lower nursing home care rate, but increased them. Dube says that even worse, the government dipped further into senior's pockets by adding a $130 fee for any senior who requires an ambulance. "This is a very dangerous tax because many New Brunswickers are struggling on fixed incomes may fail to call an ambulance even when they need one because they may feel they simply can't afford it. Seniors are proud people and many won't use a service they cannot afford, even an ambulance. For this reason, adding that fee potentially puts many in an untenable position."

Further, the Liberal government's 2006 platform included a promise to increase hours of care in nursing homes to 3.5 hours per day within two years. "Now, here it is three years later and rather than have the promise implemented across the system, it has been reduced to a pilot project in just five nursing homes, and it isn't even running in a pilot in all five", says Dube, who adds "the Liberal government misled seniors."

Most nursing home construction announced by this Liberal government had already been announce by the previous Progressive-conservative government.

"This government is not credible and has broken too many promises.

We cannot believe what Shawn Graham says and cannot afford what he does."