Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors

Annex A – Mandate of the National Seniors Council

The National Seniors Council shall advise the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Employment and Social Development and the Minister of Health, on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse aging population. The Minister of State (Seniors) is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Council.

As directed by the Ministers, the Council shall:

• advise on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well-being of seniors, both now and in the future;
• as needed, undertake activities such as commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings;
• deliver well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts, seniors, organizations and groups that provide seniors’ programs and services, provincial/territorial advisory bodies on seniors, and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties; and,
• ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach in its examination of the policies, programs and services that have an impact on the lives of seniors by consulting with other federal departments, other levels of government and advisory bodies involved in senior-related efforts.

Since its inception in 2007, the Council has published five reports which contain advice to the Government on:

• Elder abuse (2007)
• Low income among seniors (2009)
• Volunteering among seniors and Positive and active aging (2010)
• The Labour force participation of seniors and near seniors, and Intergenerational relations (2011)
• Employers’ views on recruiting and retaining older workers at risk of withdrawing from the labour force or becoming unemployed (2013)

Information about the Council is available online.

A list of Council members is attached as Annex B.