Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk is the new Shadow Minister for Seniors under new Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole.
“I’m honoured that our leader Erin O’Toole has not only the trust, but the confidence in me to be able to fill in such an important role.”
Falk will serve as the Official Opposition to Canada’s Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte and reviewing spending and programs in the ministry as well as hold the government to account on policies.
“I will make sure that the current Minister for Seniors in the Liberal government is, first of all, following through on the promises that they’ve made to seniors and following the work that they are doing or not doing and making sure seniors have a voice in the House of Commons that is advocating for them.”
The role is a prominent one as seniors make up 15.6 per cent of Canada’s population and the government is projecting the population to increase to 23 per cent by 2030.
“I think some people may underestimate this portfolio and we have to recognize that seniors is the largest growing demographic in Canada. These are the people that helped build this country and we need to make sure that they’re being respected and appreciated.”
While long-term care facilities fall under provincial and territorial government jurisdiction, Falk says she’ll be advocating for supports on the federal level.
This is Falk’s first time as a Shadow Minister. She has previously held the position of Deputy Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development and Status of Women. She will be returning to the House of Commons when Parliament resumes which is scheduled for September 23rd.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the House. It’s very different than riding work. I love my constituents and love being able to meet with them, but I’m really itching to debate some policies and ideas.”
Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs was also named the opposition critic for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Former Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer will be the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Communities.
