VANCOUVER — Telus today launched its Mobility for Good for Seniors program which provides Canadian seniors on the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) a free smartphone and subsidized mobility rate plan.
Available now, the program includes a free refurbished smartphone, unlimited nationwide talk and text, and 3GB of data for $25 per month. Mobility for Good for Seniors is entirely subsidized by Telus, with no cost to the government or taxpayers, the company says in its press release.
Across Canada, 2.2 million seniors receive the GIS from the federal government, and are eligible for Telus Mobility for Good for Seniors. To get set up, program participants are required to provide proof of receiving the GIS benefit and then will receive a unique code to use when applying. Additional details and instructions are available at telus.com/mobilityforgood (in French: telus.com/mobilitepourlavenir).
“This year in particular has demonstrated how critical it is that more older Canadians have access to virtual healthcare options that can help them to stay healthy and safe,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health System and the University Health Network in Toronto, in the Telus release. “Telus’ Mobility for Good for Seniors will significantly increase access to virtual healthcare technology, such as video conferencing from a smartphone, for older and low-income Canadians who may have previously faced barriers to accessing and affording a smartphone. Beyond being able to better access health services, information and apps, a smartphone can be a critical tool in allowing older Canadians to more safely navigate their communities and help prevent the mental and physical health challenges associated with isolation and loneliness, particularly as more older Canadians are staying home and increasingly avoiding gatherings to protect their health.”
“Our country’s seniors have contributed significantly to the fabric of this nation, having built and supported the infrastructure, economy and social services that we enjoy today,” added Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO. “Disconcertingly, these same elderly Canadians have been disproportionately impacted throughout the health emergency as many have had to isolate from loved ones and support networks in order to stay safe. Through Mobility for Good for Seniors, we are providing some of our most vulnerable Canadians with access to the vital tools and resources they need to stay safely and meaningfully connected, and in time for the holiday season.”
As the Covid-19 pandemic evolved earlier this year, Telus donated more than 14,000 free mobile devices and $0 rate plans, valued at $9 million, to hundreds of organizations across Canada including long-term care facilities in support of seniors.
Through its Telus Wise program, the company provides online resources and workshops which cover topics including protecting online security, privacy and reputation, rising above cyberbullying, and using technology responsibly. Seniors advocacy and support organizations can book a free, virtual Telus Wise Seniors workshop for the seniors they support at telus.com/WiseSeniors (in French: Telus Averti Or). The workshop educates participants on common online scams and threats, and provides Internet, smartphone and social media safety tips, helping seniors to stay safe and get the most out of our digital world.
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Photo borrowed from Entwistle’s Instagram feed.
