Mr. Speaker, today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and I would like to draw the attention of the House to the suffering some seniors face.
Elder abuse is often of a financial nature, but it can take many other forms: negligence, physical abuse or unwanted medical treatment.
Some statistics are particularly worrisome. For instance, nearly half of all people who commit suicide are 65 or older. Of course money does not solve everything, but having greater financial means would allow many seniors to live with additional dignity.
For some time now, the Bloc Québécois has been calling for measures that will allow seniors to become more autonomous, such as a $110 monthly increase in the guaranteed income supplement, as well as automatic registration of persons 65 and older.
Let us take the opportunity we have on this special day to think about what we can do for our seniors. Above all, we must remain vigilant.