Justice committee  I'm not sure of the extent to which the federal government is recognizing it, but I think it is becoming more and more of an issue, especially with the indigenous and the immigrant populations. I think it is becoming a really important distinction that certainly we have embraced in B.C. in the work that we do, and we are open to providing the opportunity for any group that wishes to be looking at this issue from their own lens.

Justice committee  Our organization provides support for the communities to develop a community response. We're not doing direct service provision to the individuals who are being abused. Rather, we're helping members of the community, neighbours, friends, and families, to recognize the signs of abuse and then to know where they can be referred for service.

Justice committee  Thank you, Madam Chair and honourable members of the standing committee, for the opportunity to contribute to the important work you are doing to study elder abuse in Canada. I am proud to be able to describe to you the fine work being done in British Columbia to raise the awareness of abuse, neglect and self-neglect, and to help our communities find ways to prevent this.