OSPN Coordinating Committee’s thoughts for talking points/key messages
for the Ontario provincial election (as of March 4, 2022)

OSPN has participated with other Ontario Senior Pride networks to develop these talking points if you, our members, are communicating with Ontario election candidates.

Overall: Ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity and respect for 2SLGBTQI+ seniors are integrated into the development and delivery of policies, programs and services for seniors within a human rights and equity framing.
 
Ontario Seniors Strategy: Specific inclusion of service and care needs of 2SLGBTQI+ seniors as a priority within Ontario’s seniors strategy. In particular, specific acknowledgement of the under-representation and under-serving of Black, Indigenous/2S, and People of Colour (BIPOC) with priority given to addressing their service and care needs and to ensuring their direct consultation and involvement in the development of policies, programs and services.

Housing: The Ontario government must provide for affordable, accessible housing, in respectful, welcoming and safe environments, for 2SLGBTQI+ seniors including accommodation in seniors housing, assisted care, residential care and long-term care homes.

Direct funding of services for 2SLGBTQI+ seniors: Provincial ministries and bodies providing funding for healthcare, for assisted living and residential/long-term care and for social-service delivery must establish standards of equitable distribution of funding that include providing direct funding to agencies and organizations serving 2SLGBTQI+ seniors.

Long-term care: Implementing the recommendations of the LTC Commission with particular priority to educating staff, families and residents to be more inclusive and respectful of LGBTQ2+ seniors.

Home care:  There is a need for substantial investments in home care to facilitate aging in place given the high percentage of people including LGBTQ2+ seniors who wish to avoid any form of congregate or assisted living for as long as possible. Lack of adequate home care options can necessitate LTC and reduced flexibility and autonomy.