An outreach program that helps seniors is on the chopping block as the Fraser Health region tightens its funding belt.
Opposition health critic Adrian Dix says the Fraser Health Authority is canceling contracts to provide support services for seniors in Langley and Chilliwack due to budget cuts.
"These are the very programs that allow people to live a high quality of life," he said.
Among those being affected is a Langley seniors outreach program, which utilizes 150 volunteers to work with about 600 vulnerable seniors. The program requires $86,000 for staffing - but their funding grant has been cut.
Legally blind Langley resident Mai Hanstock is 95 years old. The only way she gets out to her appointments is with the help of volunteer drivers.
"They not only help me, but they're very polite and very good," Hanstock said.
Dix says these services help keep seniors healthy and out of expensive hospital beds and the
Liberals are once again breaking their promise to protect health care in B.C.
According to the NDP, Fraser Health will cut more than $1.5 million from seniors programs in the region.
The Fraser Health says their numbers are wrong, and that cuts will be in the neighbourhood of $550,000 - but that's not enough to calm seniors like Hanstock who fear losing another piece of their independence.
"I've lot quite a bit of sleep over it," she said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Michele Brunoro and files from The Canadian Press
