Four members of the Lac la Hache Branch 176 Old Age Pensioners’ Organization (O.A.P.O.) attended the British Columbia O.A.P.O. (B.C.O.A.P.O.) annual general meeting in Agassiz on June 12-14.
The provincial O.A.P.O. was instituted in 1932 and waged battles over the means test for the old age pension. The B.C.O.A.P.O. also fought for non-pensioners and would-be pensioners. The provincial group was instrumental in obtaining many other benefits for seniors.
The B.C.O.A.P.O. continues to lobby the provincial, federal and Opposition parties so many of these benefits continue for the province’s seniors.
All 23 resolutions were passed, including those concerning smart meters, increases in Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement, medical payments, CFL light bulbs and prescription drugs.
The Society of the B.C.O.A.P.O. offers scholarships for students already enrolled in gerontology each year. Many of the B.C.O.A.P.O. branches also offer scholarships in their own communities.