FORT ST. JOHN -- Peace River North MLA Dan Davies hosted his second annual Seniors Expo and Luncheon at the Pomeroy Event Centre in Fort St John today.

The event brought together keynote speakers including Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, who shared a snapshot oF how his office is working to hear the concerns and help correct issues facing seniors, especially for those living in rural B.C.

"We've got to make sure that we have housing options and other government supports so seniors can have a life that's affordable and find shelter,” said Levitt.

“We all need to have a roof over our head, and ideally, that roof over our head should be somewhere nearby in the community, the neighborhood where they're used to living in," continued Levitt.

Housing affordability one of the main issues being brought up by attendees during a question and answer period with Davies, Levitt, and Prince George MLA Shirley Bond, who also serves as the Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care for the BC United.

Seniors shared stories on being on the brink of homeless due to the affordability crisis and a lack of adequate funding to the Senior’s Supplement.

Healthcare another pressing issue for seniors, with Shirley Bond announcing in her speech today that the BC United government would make the shingles vaccine available at no cost to British Columbians 50 and older.

“When you’re struggling how to figure out how you’re going to pay your rent or look at how you buy your groceries, I don’t know what the shingles vaccine is really high on their priority list,” said Bond.

The announcement follows a report from Levitt that recommended the move last week.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate is independent of any political party, and was created in 2013 with the proclamation of the Seniors Advocate Act.

Davies shared how he will be forming a senior’s advisory board in Fort St. John to better understand community needs, with an announcement on its assembly coming this fall.

Also in attendance at today’s event was Fort St. John mayor Lilia Hansen, who gave the opening remarks, and members of Fort St. John city council.

Constable Paul Waterman with the Fort St. John RCMP Serious Crime Unit also gave a presentation on frauds and scams that are targetting seniors, with advice on how to avoid falling victim. 

Seniors currently make up 20 per cent of the population in British Columbia, and have a median annual income of $30,750, according to the Office of the Seniors Advocate.