I'm glad we brought up the issue of elder abuse, especially financial abuse. That was exactly the question I asked of the minister during question period.
When I was the minister for seniors, I travelled to all of the territories and provinces. I listened to seniors and advocacy groups and even went all the way to the north. I went to first nations reserves and listened to the concerns first nations had about health care and their inability to access health care in their native language. I definitely agree with all of the findings that our experts here have reported to us.
There are many issues I'd like to comment on, but I'd like to start by adding to my colleague's comments on elder abuse.
We have identified several different kinds of abusers, and unfortunately some of the abusers can be from a senior's own family, such as someone from a younger generation. They might say, sooner or later all of your property will be mine, so why can't I have it earlier? They use different ways to pressure their older parents or even grandparents to let go of their property.
The minute a senior signs off is the minute they get kicked out. Poor seniors say that the minute they sign over their property or whatever wealth they have, they are out the door. I've heard terrible stories about this.
I congratulate CARP for doing a great job working with me in former years to make sure that elder abuse is not overlooked.
My question to the panel, for whoever wants to comment on it, is: what more can be done to ensure that vulnerable seniors are better protected from financial abuse? I specifically want to ask what the role of education and outreach is.