DIEPPE, NEW BRUNSWICK, August 27, 2008 - Mr. Rob Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors), today spoke at the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Canada 55+ Games in Dieppe, New Brunswick.
The 2008 Canada 55+ Games is a nationwide program that promotes physical, mental and social well-being among Canadians 55 years of age and older through recreational, cultural and sports activities.
"Our government is proud to support the 2008 Canada 55+ Games, which promote physical and mental activities for seniors," said Mr. Moore.
Speaking before organizers, participants and volunteers, Mr. Moore highlighted the importance of the 2008 Canada 55+ Games in promoting physical and mental well-being for seniors and older adults across Canada. He also announced that the Government of Canada provided $40,000 to support this event through the Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP).
"The Government of Canada recognizes sport's positive contribution to promoting health, strengthening the development of seniors, and fostering social inclusion and gender equality," said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Sport). "We are proud to support the 2008 Canada 55+ Games in Dieppe."
Mr. Moore also highlighted Budget 2008 and other recent initiatives of the federal government that address the needs of Canada's seniors, including:
- establishing the National Seniors Council to advise the Government on issues of importance to older Canadians;
- providing more than $1 billion in tax relief each year to Canadian seniors through pension income splitting and enhancements in the age and pension income credits;
- enabling seniors to build their retirement savings in Registered Pension Plans and Registered Retirement Savings Plans for an extra two years until age 71;
- providing $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on what support is available;
- funding projects in hundreds of communities across Canada under the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which helps seniors to bring their leadership, energy and skills to benefit our communities;
- making it easier to apply for Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits, and particularly the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS); and
- raising the GIS earned income exemption to $3,500 from $500.
The Government of Canada is also addressing the needs of unemployed older workers by making available $90 million to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers until March 31, 2012. This federal-provincial-territorial cost-shared initiative is designed to respond to the needs of unemployed older workers in vulnerable communities by helping them to find new employment and remain active and productive labour market participants. In January 2007, the Government of Canada also announced the creation of an Expert Panel to conduct a study of the labour market conditions that older workers face.
The Social Development Partnerships Program makes investments to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of all Canadians in all aspects of Canadian society. The SDPP plays a unique role in furthering broad social goals by making strategic investments through grants and contributions, generating and disseminating knowledge, fostering partnerships to achieve shared goals and strengthening the capacity of the social non-profit sector.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
