MPP O’Toole Continues Calls to Protect Seniors from Abuse

MPP O’Toole Continues Calls

To Protect Seniors from Abuse

For Immediate Release

December 8, 2011 

QUEEN’S PARK – This week, Durham MPP John O’Toole re-introduced his Private Member’s Bill which aims to prevent elder abuse before it happens by strengthening the Power of Attorney Process.

The bill entitled The Protection of Vulnerable and Elderly People from Abuse Act (Powers of Attorney), 2011 aims to create a voluntary registry of those who serve as a Power of Attorney. It would further require someone other than a family member to be one of two witnesses to the granting of a power of attorney.

Elder abuse continues to be a hidden crime in Ontario. Revelations such as the Toronto Star’s saddening report on conditions at the In Touch retirement home only drive home the fact that more must be done to protect those who are the most vulnerable.

This bill represents prudent planning for the future of our aging population. Providing information on who holds a continuing power of attorney for our friends and loved ones will help ensure that our seniors are protected from those who might prey on them and take advantage of them.

QUOTES:

“It is the province’s current legislation that facilitates and enables abuse. And that same legislation, at the same time, prevents the police from getting involved. As a result, a bill such as this must go to committee hearings so the process can be changed.”

Philip and Risha Gotlieb, Journalists and Senior’s Advocates

“It is easier to get a power of attorney document than it is to get a licence for a pet.”

Detective Sergeant John Keating, Durham Regional Police

“I have seen elder abuse every day of my 17 years caring for older adults. I have not seen any abuse cases where money wasn’t the root cause. It is absolutely an epidemic.”

Tammy Rankin, Durham Elder Abuse Network

“The intent of the legislation is to first educate and encourage people to make plans when they need a designated person to make decisions on their behalf.”

John O’Toole, MPP Durham

“We need to be mindful that there are those who would intentionally take advantage of a senior for personal financial gain. Unfortunately, sometimes these people are family or trusted friends. What this bill does is provide some safeguards to prevent this type of abuse.”  

John O’Toole, MPP Durham

QUICK FACTS:

  • According to Statistics Canada, between 2005 and 2036 the number of seniors will more than double from 4.2 million to 9.8 million.
  • Currently there is an estimated 1.5 million seniors in Ontario. The number of seniors in Ontario is expected to double by 2028.
  • It is estimated that between four and ten per cent of seniors in Ontario (65,000-130,000) experience some kind of abuse – which often remains hidden or goes unnoticed.
  • The 2004 General Social Survey revealed that almost half of all violent incidents against seniors go unreported.
  • The recent November, 2011 report by the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care confirms that financial elder abuse is becoming increasingly common and a vigorous response is needed.

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CONTACT:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

1-800-661-2433 / (905) 697-1501 / CELL (905) 431-1490