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CITY OF

405 BARLOW AVENUE, QUESNEL, B.C. V2J 203 — PHONE (604) 992-2111

. a OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

May 11, 198

Mayor and Council Members
City of Port Coquitlam
2272 McAllister Avenue
Port Coquitiam, B.C.

V3C 2A8

Dear Mayor and Council:

My Council and I are most concerned with respect to the fact that
our seniors in continuing care facilities have suddenly been
burdened with an increase in user charges totalling $912.50
annually or $76.04 monthly; representing an increase of 15%

To this end, we are asking for your support in making the
Provincial Minister of Health aware of the impact of this
increase on those of our senior citizens who are unable to care
for themselves. Tt is calculated that after paying for rent and
food, each citizen would be left with only $90.11 per month from
which personal expenses including clothing, non—prescription
drugs, telephone, cablevision, newspaper or entertainment must be:
found.

We don't think it is fair or necessary that the basic living
expenses of so many of our seniors are increased by 15%, when the
costs of tobacco and- alcohol are increased by much less. We
would’ encourage you to ask some of the residents of the
continuing care facilities in your community what they. think
about this issue - JI am sure you will then feel. compelled. to
write your letter to our Minister of Health, The Honourable
Peter Dueck, expressing your dissatisfaction with this cost
increase. has

T would be pleased to receive a copy of your letter to the
Minister or your comments in response to the foregoing.

Yours very trul

Michael L. Pearce,
Mayor

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