Premier Brian Gallant discusses assets policy with seniors groups

WATCH ABOVE: Seniors rights advocates met with Premier Brian Gallant Friday to go over their concerns about recent decisions made by the liberal government regarding seniors care. Global’s Laura Brown reports.

FREDERICTON – The premier of New Brunswick says there’s room to move on his government’s nursing home policy if other ways of addressing finances can be found.

Brian Gallant and Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers met with seniors groups Friday for about two hours.

Seniors are upset with a policy announced in the spring budget that would see the government use the assets of wealthier seniors to help pay for their nursing home care.

“They basically are going to take a look at the arguments that we’ve given them. And basically, they’ve made no commitment that they’re going to move forward at this point,” said Cecile Cassista of the New Brunswick Senior’s Coalition.

Gallant says the policy has not been put in place yet, and he has asked the seniors groups to help find ways to address the province’s financial situation and improve care.

“We had a preliminary meeting today and we made it very clear to them that we want to leave all options on the table but we need their help. We need their ideas, their suggestions. We certainly have heard their concerns as well and that’s important to note,” he said.

Cassista says seniors are willing to work with the government, but are adamant that the assets policy be removed.

She says the government was open to their suggestions but didn’t make any commitment.

The Opposition is calling on the government to reverse the policy.

With files from Global’s Laura Brown