The province has announced Dan Levitt, an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and UBC, as the new seniors advocate.
Levitt has worked to champion seniors rights for three decades and has an extensive background working with long-term care homes, including his CEO role at KinVillage in Delta.
When he accepted the position on Friday, he thanked current seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie, who is retiring in April.
“I greatly admire the work of Isobel Mackenzie, and I understand the advocacy needed to advance the rights of seniors and analyze the most pressing issues impacting their welfare,” said Levitt.
“My goal is for every senior, their families and their caregivers to be able to exercise their agency to access the supports and services they need. As seniors advocate, I will work collaboratively with seniors, government officials and service providers to promote healthy aging.”
Levitt will head the Office of the Seniors Advocate, an independent office of the BC provincial government, which acts in the interest of seniors and their caregivers.
The office monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues in health care, housing, income support, community support and transportation.
Levitt has written extensively about the challenges and opportunities that face an aging society in academic and trade journals. He regularly contributes to media coverage.
He has also spoken about complex and contentious ideas with various audiences, such as senior government officials.
Levitt has served on the board of directors for the Denominational Health Association, the Global Aging Network and the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
“With Mr. Levitt, government will continue to work collaboratively to help seniors throughout the province to live their healthiest, happiest lives,” says Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Mackenzie called her time as seniors advocate as an honour and privilege.
She says that as issues like dementia, housing and elder care become more complex, it is crucial to have an advocate in place to strengthen senior’s services across BC.
“ I know Dan is ready to continue the cause and his efforts will make a difference in the lives of seniors for years to come,” Mackenzie says.
Levitt will take over the position on April 5, 2024.
