Canadian Lawyer

consider when doing estate planning and divorce settlements or agreements. "Women make choices across their lives that impact them economically," she said, as they take time away from work for childcare duties, to deal with family illnesses, or a dying parent. It affects their ability to save for retirement and their financial security. Age discrimination in the workplace may also play a role in shortening a woman's earning potential. James said the inperson sessions indicated older women felt they were considered expendable by their employer, and, once let go had difficulties being hired back. Older women may also experience difficulties finding work. A solution could become one of the legal community educating employers on age discrimination in the workplace and the value senior employees can bring to a job site. "They bring experience to the workplace," she said. The issues go deeper than what can be addressed simply with pro bono offerings. They require policy changes by those empowered to provide easier access to the justice and court system, says West Coast LEAF's executive director Kasari Govender. "Older women cannot negotiate services online and English may not be the first language." Many of the women faced social issues that also hampered their ability to seek out legal information or advice such as poor or dangerous housing or poor medical and dental care. Policy changes also need to accommodate the changing demographics as more single mothers or families that share homes rely upon grandparents for childcare support. Or, grandparents may be the legal guardians, she said. "The grandparents are raising the children." The issue of childcare ormParks_CL_Nov_13.indd 1 www.CANADIAN support and lack of daycare came up repeatedly. The CCEL and West Coast LEAF are now searching for further funds to launch phase two of the study to gain insight into the needs of Aboriginal women and harder-to-reach older women, such as those in assisted living facilities or home care. The work being done follows on previous studies done by federal governments on elder abuse and the introduction last year of Bill C-36 to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to increase penalties for those found guilty of elder abuse. Govender said the first report issued is not to be viewed as a "law reform tool" but rather as a document that provides the legal community and legislators with the insight to effect law reform mechanisms that better serve older women. — Jean Sorensen jean_sorensen@telus.net L a w ye r m a g . c o m November/December 2013 13 13-10-22 2:53 PM

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