Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is the eighth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, bringing global attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience. Sadly, this is a serious problem that continues to happen in communities all across Canada. Elder abuse robs older people of their dignity and peace at a time when they ought to feel secure.
While our government is focused on standing up for victims of elder abuse, the leader of the Liberal Party actually takes money from charities that specifically help the elderly. In fact, one charity that supports senior citizens and is in need is asking the Liberal leader for the $20,000 that he took from it. It, like many charities, are cash-strapped and he has not even given it the decency of a response to its request.
As part of budget 2013, this government will better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services. In my riding of Simcoe—Grey, local volunteers, like Janette McIntosh, myself and the OPP, are educating seniors and ensuring that they are safe in their community.
We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse and I encourage the Liberal leader to get on board.