Seniors Groups across Manitoba have been working at getting the attention of political party candidates for the upcoming election.

Retired teacher Marvin Krawec of Portage la Prairie explains how -- and why -- the Seniors Vote Campaign was started.

"Senior organizations got together, we have what is called common cause issues that affect retired teachers, and affect all of the Seniors' Organizations. There's a common cause with all of these, fixed income problems with some, transportation for some, and housing for some, and on-and-on the list goes from the 6 pillars that we identified."

Krawec explains seniors felt they weren't getting the attention the deserved from each party leader.

Krawec

"We realized that none of the political parties were addressing these issues for seniors. Since a quarter of the population of Manitoba is seniors, peripherally it's being discussed in political circles with all of the political parties, but nothing specific to do with a whole lot of these issues that are of great concern to seniors. So that was the the reason we got together to educate the public as to what the problems are with many seniors."

Krawec say seniors have a big effect on the economy.

"With all the contributions that the seniors are making, the economic impact is there. Maybe that economic income ought to be translated into some support for seniors with regard to their needs and with regard to establishing a portfolio dealing primarily with seniors' issues. If you combine that portfolio with others, then neither will get the attention it deserves.

He adds they need to be looked at separately, rather than being lumped in with other citizens across Canada.