WHEREAS the Community Care and Assisted Living Act outlines a new model of care for seniors who do not require constant care; AND WHEREAS the Community Care and Assisted Living Act lacks tenancy protection for seniors who are residents of supportive and assisted living facilities; AND WHEREAS the Seniors Health and Housing Coalition report titled Regulation of Independent Living details the shortcomings of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and suggests the development of a new framework to remedy the lack of tenancy protection for residents of supportive and assisted living facilities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government establish a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework to address care, safety and security of tenure issues for residents of both supportive housing and assisted living facilities; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Province consult widely with local governments, seniors organizations, housing and health providers and the general public in the development of the framework.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY SOLICITOR GENERAL The Residential Tenancy Act does not specifically address supportive housing and assisted living accommodation is specifically excluded. Recently, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has undertaken lead responsibility for this initiative. PSSG is working in association with the Ministry of Health Services and the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Womens Services on this initiative. A new model is being developed to provide consumer protection for British Columbians living in supportive housing and assisted living situations. The model may include a legislative option. The model of consumer protection being considered includes a dispute resolution process. To best accommodate the requirements of seniors and persons with special needs, the preferred model is one that is streamlined to decrease process timeframes and provides for a meditative process to resolve disputes. The Province will consult when development of the new model has progressed.